Christmas has come early for the students at Springfield Central State High School with the opening of a new $9.89 million Sport and Community Hall.
Jordan MP Charis Mullen and Education Minister Grace Grace officially opened the hall today, funded under the Palaszczuk Government's $200 million Advancing Queensland Schools program.
Ms Mullen said the hall had been delivered in partnership between the Government and Ipswich City Council, with Council contributing $2.2 million towards the project.
"I'm so proud that this hall has come to fruition after consulting with the school and Council to provide a space that was suitable for both students and the Springfield public," Ms Mullen said.
"This hall will not only benefit the students but it's also a community asset, with the wider Ipswich community welcome to use it for local events.
"Construction of the hall also supported 30 local jobs which is a fantastic outcome."
Ms Mullen said the hall had been welcomed with open arms by the school community.
"The hall includes two multi-purpose courts, two kinesiology classrooms, staff room, kiosk, change rooms and amenities, as well as meeting rooms and office spaces to service the school and community," she said.
"It truly is a state-of-the-art facility."
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Government would always invest in education.
"Our investment in education and training this year is a record $14.9 billion," the Premier said.
"Since 2015, we've built or started work on 18 new schools in areas of some of our highest population growth – areas like Calliope, Pimpama and Coomera, Baringa and Palmview.
"And we've been delivering new school halls like the one the Minister is opening today."
Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was also investing in a new classroom block at Springfield Central.
"We know Springfield Central State High is a growing school, that's why we're investing $11 million in 16 new classrooms to keep pace with enrolment growth," Ms Grace said.
"This two-storey learning centre will include specialist spaces, amenities and a lift.
"Construction will start next year, with the building is expected to be finished in 2021.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing schools with modern facilities such as this learning centre and the hall that we opened today."
Springfield Central State High School Principal Anne Lawson said she was impressed with the hall.
"The completion of this project is a dream come true for our community," Ms Lawson said.
"We will not only have state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students' learning, but an undercover space to conduct whole of school assemblies, something which previously was not possible.
"A school hall is often the heart of a school and we embrace the opportunity for our school to continue our strong relationship with the surrounding community."
