Construction will soon commence on King’s Baptist Grammar School’s new Adelaide Hills Campus, located on Bollen Road in Mount Barker. Construction will get underway following a ceremonial ‘Turning of the Soil’ event on 28 April and the facility is set to open for Term 1 of 2023, as part of the Newenham Masterplan.
Principal Don Grimmett said the ground-breaking signifies the next step in the school’s development.
“Our brand new facilities will be home to world-class teaching and learning opportunities,” Mr Grimmett said.
“Our vision of faith provides excellence in education that empowers individuals in partnership with families and we are excited to build relationships with families in the Adelaide Hills community.”
South Australian Minister for Education, John Gardner, added: “The new King’s Baptist Grammar School – Adelaide Hills Campus, will enhance the choices available for families in the area and I am very confident that they will build a great school culture in the Hills, as they have previously in the north-east.”
“Our ambition is for every child in every classroom in South Australia to get a great education, and be supported in fulfilling their potential. That means that we want all of our schools to be doing great things for our kids – government and non-government alike.”
The $15 million project is forecast to generate 200 jobs during its construction phase, with a further 10 permanent jobs expected once the campus is open.
At capacity, the Adelaide Hills Campus will cater for up to 1,200 students, with the ELC to Year 2 classrooms to open first in 2023, followed by additional year levels each year thereafter.
Burke Urban’s Managing Director, Kym Burke said the school will provide more choice for parents when assessing education options in the fast-growing area.
“We are excited that our Newenham residents will have access to quality independent education just moments from their own home, and will be able to travel to the campus on foot or bike by a beautiful linear park trail along Western Flat Creek,” he said.
Director of Hodgkinson Architects, Kristy McMillan, said the development is the culmination of the collaborative partnership between King’s Baptist School, Hodgkison Architects, WSP Engineers, and Schiavello to deliver a landmark community school that will grow with the Adelaide Hills region.
“The modern buildings, designed to environmentally sustainable principles, are a starting point for the growth of the school within the region. Integrated into the undulating landscape, the buildings highlight natural materials to create light, airy and connected learning spaces, which open out onto bespoke nature play spaces designed by French Enviro. The Greenfield site provided an opportunity for a well-planned community precinct anchored by the School,” Ms McMillan said.