The building contract for the new state-of-the-art Greater Shepparton Secondary College was recently awarded to Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd.
Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino said the appointment means Greater Shepparton families are a step closer to getting the great local secondary school facilities their kids need to thrive.
The school, to be built on the site of the former Shepparton High School, will accommodate between 2700 and 3000 students and offer them broader subject choices, new learning and pathway opportunities, and better educational support in world-class facilities.
This includes the school’s Enterprise and Innovation Centre which will feature specialist precincts for technology, performing and fine arts and sciences student support, wellbeing and careers areas.
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.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Shepparton landscape, the exterior and interior design palette will feature colours found within the region’s unique mineral geology, agricultural plains, and riverbeds.
Materials and finishes for the project will be from sustainable sources, locally sourced materials, recyclable materials and materials with recycled content where possible.
Additionally, around two-thirds of the school site is devoted to outdoor space for recreation, wellbeing and education. This will enable learning to take place in many settings, and ensure there are ample indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
The Victorian Government committed $21.5 million to make the long-term Shepparton Education Plan – including the new Greater Shepparton Secondary College – a reality. Funding currently allocated will support the design of the new college, and demolish and remediate the site.
Demolition works on the current site will commence in February 2020.