Students in Shepparton will be in their world-class secondary school at the beginning of 2022, with the Victorian Government announcing $119 million to finish construction of Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the funding, which is part of a state-wide education building blitz that will create thousands of jobs and kickstart Victoria’s economy.
The Greater Shepparton Secondary College project will create nearly 300 jobs at the peak of construction and will deliver the exceptional facilities students, teachers and staff deserve.
The new College is being built on the site of the former Shepparton High School, and it will offer students broader subject choices, new learning and pathway opportunities, and better educational support in world-class facilities.
The school will include an Enterprise and Innovation Centre giving senior students access to a broad range of subjects and career pathways in three specialist precincts – technology, performing and fine arts, and sciences.
Builder Hansen Yuncken has had a base in Shepparton since 1925, and will use local contractors as part of the build, supporting local businesses and jobs.
The designs, by architects Gray Puksand, support the school’s focus on having the facilities of a big school, while maintaining the feel of a smaller school environment. The architects worked closely with students, teachers and the wider community to gain their input for the design of the new school.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College students are currently studying at the Wanganui, Mooroopna and McGuire campuses until the new school is complete at the start of 2022.
The $119 million investment announced today builds on the $21.5 million invested in the Shepparton Education Plan.
The Government is building the Education State so everyone can get a great education, no matter their background or where they live – invested $6.1 billion on school upgrades since 2014.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
“We want to improve education outcomes in Shepparton and I’m pleased to deliver the funding that will make this project a reality.”
“This fulfils a promise that we made to the people of Shepperton and Mooroopna. I know that some in the community have been sceptical about this project becoming a reality, but we always said we would finish what we started and that is exactly what we are doing.”
“This is the most important education project in this region’s history, and the children and young people of Shepparton and Mooroopna deserve nothing less.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This is a once in a generation project for the Shepparton community and this funding will see students in the best possible facilities by 2022.”