The West Australian government has appointed CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors to deliver the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase for a new $165 million primary school in East Perth.
The project will see the construction of a vertical, four‑storey school capable of accommodating about 600 students from kindergarten to year six.
Occupying a city‑fringe site bounded by Horatio Street, Nelson Crescent, Waterloo Crescent and Gloucester Park, the school is aimed at meeting the needs of the growing population in central Perth.
ACS Group and HOCHTIEF Chief Executive Officer and CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaría said: “CPB Contractors’ Perth-based building team draws on extensive expertise and skills gained from delivering award-winning education facilities, both locally in Western Australia and across the country.
“This new learning space will be an important asset for the community and young families for many decades to come.”
The facility will include an administration building, multipurpose hall, landscaped outdoor areas, grassed playing fields, and purpose‑built spaces for play and learning.
It has also been designed with flexibility in mind, incorporating areas for community use beyond traditional school functions.
In addition, the layout allows for a future expansion stage to accommodate a further 200 students.
CPB Contractors Managing Director Jason Spears said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the West Australian government to support delivery of this vital piece of community infrastructure, supporting their commitment to deliver the best education facilities for the growing population in central Perth.
“This announcement marks an important milestone for CPB Contractors as it follows last year’s integration of Broad Construction and signals the strength of our local team’s four decades of experience delivering outstanding education facilities for WA communities.”
Under the ECI phase, CPB Contractors will oversee early works and earthworks, including the demolition of the existing Queens Gardens car park.
The company will also collaborate with EIW and ARM architects on the finalisation of the school’s design.
This process will involve providing input on materials, construction methodologies, and other technical aspects to ensure high‑quality delivery and long‑term durability.
The vertical school model responds to the urban environment of East Perth, where available land for large single‑storey campuses is limited.
By stacking facilities within four levels, planners can maximise available space for outdoor activity areas while accommodating future enrolment growth.
Construction is expected to progress through detailed design and preparatory works over the coming years, with the completed school scheduled to welcome its first students at the start of the 2029 academic year.
The project forms part of the state government’s broader investment in educational infrastructure to serve Western Australia’s rapidly changing communities.
