PLANS for a $10 million upgrade to Gawler & District College have been revealed for the first time, with the Gawler Council Assessement Panel (CAP) to make a decision on their viability tonight (Wednesday).
The school upgrades are set to include the construction of a new parent portal, special needs building, central building – including general learning areas, weights room, canteen, and assembly hall – refurbishment of the school’s student lounge and landscaping and civil upgrades.
Gawler & District College was granted $10 million by the former State Labor Government for the upgrades in October 2017.
Gawler & District College principal Angie Michael confirmed the demolition of some buildings will begin by the end of the year, with construction on the new buildings set to start next year.
“For our students in particular, there will be some discomfort in the meanwhile, but the outcomes will be fantastic for our community,” she said.
“I’m a brand new principal here at the site, I knew about the $10 million upgrade and it was all determined prior to my appointment here.
“For 30 years or more I’ve worked in schools in the North and know Gawler & District College very well.
“It is aged, but knowing I’m coming in to a site which has attracted a $10 million grant is great.”
The plans will be presented to the CAP at its meeting, with the panel expected to support the State Government proceeding with the development.
Council staff have recommended the CAP notify the State Government that an assessment of the school’s car parking should be undertaken amid fears the parking included in the plans would not be sufficient for the school’s projected growth.
Ms Michael said the upgrades were exciting, but hoped to see the “ageing” school receive more funding in the future.
“There are still a number of areas within the site which still require a bit of tender love and care,” she said.
“It’s a bit mixed, because we’re excited that we will be able to provide some great spaces for our community through the parent portal and some wonderful learning areas that will allow for 21st century learning.
“It still worries me that we have some spaces here that need some attention around how they look.
“I’m looking at ways we can start working through some other structures we would love to see upgraded.”