New Build Update

 

It has been remiss of me not to update parents regarding our New Build and where we are currently. For this I apologise. Covid-19 has, unfortunately, dominated our thinking. Parents can be assured that both our Governing Council and Facilities Committee have been kept very well informed about this exciting project. Details are below.

Parents can click on the links to plans/renders (artist impressions) [Render 1, Render 2, Render 3, Render 4, Render Perspective]/elevations and floor plans to gain a clear understanding of what our new building will look like. The buildings’ final design comprises of eight classroom spaces, a large multipurpose wet area, teacher preparation space, a new canteen, a withdrawal space with wide corridors adjoining each teaching space. Walls adjoining classes and the large corridor are made of glass enabling the spaces to be opened up and shared, promoting the central belief of collaboration between classes. This is key to how this new building and teachers within it, will function. There is a large outside learning area that is under cover, decking surrounds almost the entire building and there are external toilets, easily accessible to staff and students and will be available for use after school and on the weekends. The adjacent areas will be landscaped and the current playground that is still appropriate, relocated to a new space. It should be noted that the entire construction is of modular design, built off site and lifted into position where a second fix is undertaken.

The building faces north, to maximise the available light, with wide verandas around the entire structure. It will be located in the space where the current oval playground is located, with the site plan above showing its exact location. As part of the project, LA4 and the canteen will be demolished- possibly during the Christmas holidays, but of course is dependent upon the,  unknown as yet, finishing date. LA 4 has been problematic for us for some time due to its unusual and aged structure. Although currently compliant, it is not a modern, nor teacher friendly learning space. It should be noted that LA 4 (the 2 story building adjacent to the canteen) is NOT heritage listed and has never been. The two buildings facing Brighton road are the original school (currently houses our year 7 community) and the Principal’s residence (currently houses our OSHC programme) are heritage listed and modifications are not allowed unless following strict guidelines. The school will never breach this protocol. The Facilities and Grounds committees are currently discussing exactly what this demolition space could look like and we are seeking the opinions of our students in a STEM initiated project designed by Candice and Caitlin, regarding this area. Input from our community is also invited.

 

LA5 will be retained and used for music and OSHC. LA 5, which currently houses two year 6 classes, will be reclad and externally painted. Although the building appears run down from the outside, the internal space was freshly painted and re- carpeted a few years ago- it is a very pleasant and large space, ideal for student use. Music will occupy one classroom, with all musical instruments stored in the large ‘office/storage space’ between the 2 classrooms. OSHC will use the other space when required, as it continues to grow. The adjacent toilets will be refurbished for student use to be accessed by the students in the year 7 community.

Part of our brief was to refurbish the LA 2, just as we have done LA 1, but our budget has not allowed this. The school will pursue this independently and we hope to at least repaint and recarpet this area. At the completion of this project, almost all areas of our school will feature modern and appropriate teaching and learning spaces which will only enhance what we are all striving to do.

From a builder’s perspective, Sarah Constructions have been awarded the contract. They are a huge SA based building company who have recently been awarded the contracts to build the two Super Schools at Whyalla and Aldinga. The contract was originally awarded to Grove, a Victorian based company who also have an impressive reputation. Simon Froude, Stewart Watson and I saw examples of the buildings Grove had built when we toured Melbourne last year-again very impressive. However they withdrew from the project due to Covid-19. This is a long winded way to say the project has consequently been delayed.

I will update our community as soon as I know when we have a start date and how long construction will take.

Ian

 

6 thoughts on “New Build Update

  1. It probably sounds silly but an open day promoted on the Brighton historical facebook page would be great before it is pulled down

    1. Peter-here at school we are in the early stages of deciding how to ‘honour’ Learning Area 4, including video and photographic records that we will make available to our community. I will discuss further with the Facilities committee who comprise 6 members of our Governing Council and general community. Any ideas from our community are welcome.
      Ian

  2. Thanks for the clarification Ian. There has been much debate and second guessing on the bps Facebook page so great to get some clarity!

  3. Sad to see the old building being demolished. Is there any possibility of being able to take some inside shots before demolition starts ? I was a student 1952-59

    1. Thanks Gary-you raise a very important point that we have considered. It is our intention to keep photographic/video evidence of this whole process-construction through to completion and demolition. I have had discussions with my IT manager about this proposal.
      Ian

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