A new inner-city primary school in East Perth has moved a step closer to reality following the development approval granted by DevelopmentWA for the project’s design and construction plans.
The upcoming state primary school will be built on the north-eastern portion of the former Queens Gardens car park site and marks a significant milestone in the WA government’s $165 million investment to deliver the first government primary school within the wider Perth CBD.
The proposed development forms part of the state’s long-term strategy to meet the growing demand for education facilities in Perth’s expanding inner urban areas.
The school will feature an innovative multi-storey design that reflects its compact city location while providing a modern, versatile environment for students.
Once complete, the facility will accommodate up to 600 students from kindergarten to Year 6.
Key inclusions in the new school’s design are a four-storey teaching block with general and specialist classrooms, a library, and a community hall that doubles as a shared-use facility for local residents.
The plans also include administration and staff offices, landscaped outdoor areas, playing fields, and multi-sport courts, offering a balance between learning, recreation, and community engagement.
Early site works have already commenced under an initial development approval, paving the way for main construction to begin later this year.
The new school is expected to open in time for the start of the 2029 school year, welcoming its first cohort of Kindergarten to Year 6 students.
The state government’s commitment to the project reflects its broader goal of strengthening community infrastructure in Perth’s inner city.
The development is designed to support the region’s growing population and to enhance the liveability of the East Perth precinct by introducing new education, recreation, and social assets.
According to the state’s education leadership, the new facility represents a milestone achievement for urban schooling, creating access to local public education in the city for the first time in half a century.
The inclusion of contemporary learning spaces, advanced technology, and flexible design will provide students with a high-quality start to their education within a vibrant, connected environment.
Planning officials have emphasised that the project’s approval will now allow major construction phases to proceed, with procurement processes already underway.
The initiative aligns with other major government-backed projects in the inner city, including the WACA Ground redevelopment and new affordable housing developments, all aimed at revitalising Perth’s central neighbourhoods.
The new East Perth primary school is also expected to become a central hub for the community, encouraging local engagement and fostering connections among families, students, and nearby residents.
Its design has been guided by principles of sustainability, accessibility, and community integration, helping to create a learning environment that complements the surrounding urban setting.
When completed, the facility will not only meet the educational needs of inner-city families but also contribute to the social and economic vitality of Perth’s evolving city landscape.
