A South Australian based architecture firm has won the tender to design a $100 million secondary school in Whyalla, which will accommodate 1500 students.
Cox Architecture, in collaboration with Thomson Rossi, will design the school with an entrepreneurial hub and contemporary STEM facilities to help students learn skills in the local industry.
The architects have been involved in multiple SA projects, including the Adelaide Botanic High School and the Brighton Secondary School redevelopment, with both firms working on several STEM facilities across SA.
The school will combine the three existing government school campuses in the region, located in the Whyalla Norrie district between UniSA and TAFE SA facilities.
Education Minister John Gardner said that the announcement marks a significant milestone in delivering the new school that the region needs.
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“This is a major project that will deliver world-class, contemporary school infrastructure to Whyalla students, create jobs in the community and contribute to South Australia’s economic growth,” Gardner said.
“We have confidence in the future of Whyalla and we are supporting the region’s young people with the best possible education facility.
“We expect the new Whyalla Secondary School to reflect modern architecture at its best, with learning being strengthened through collaborative and flexible learning spaces.”
Gardner said the school aims to provide the next generation of students to experience the same environments found in modern workplaces and tertiary institutions to prepare them for a life beyond school.
“The SA Government is delivering the biggest investment into education by any state government in South Australia’s history, which includes more than $1 billion worth of capital works across the state,” Gardner said.
Cox Architecture Director Adam Hannon said the company was delighted to be announced as the successful team and are looking forward to working with the Education Department to deliver the project.
“The Whyalla Secondary School will be a dynamic and diverse contemporary learning community that creates a special place and identity that is inspiring and energising for students, educators, the broader community and beyond,” Hannon said.