CONSTRUCTION of the new Riverbanks College B-12 at Angle Vale is entering its final stages, with the project well on track to welcome its first intake of students in 2022.
Premier Steven Marshall and Education Minister John Gardner last week toured the school, which will provide world-class education facilities for up to 1675 students, with 100 inclusive places for students with disability and 75-places for preschool, early learning and care.
Construction work is delivering a large employment boost, with more than 1700 workers on site.
The tour included a look at the freshly-laid turf on the school oval, part of the expansive outdoor facilities designed for community use out of hours.
“It’s fitting that the grass on the oval has been laid down as the construction team enters the final lap on building this wonderful new facility,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new school will service generations of families in one of the state’s key growth areas and it’s exciting to be among the first to get a look as the site nears completion.
“Importantly, the construction is helping to create the jobs which are supporting South Australia through the pandemic and it’s fantastic to see so many people working on the site today.”
Riverbanks College B-12 is one of four new South Australian public schools opening next year as part of the government’s $1.4 billion investment in education infrastructure.
The investment is also delivering upgrades and new facilities at more than 100 government schools. More than 70 of those upgrades are either now under way, or have been completed in recent months.
“Construction work is going on at schools right across the state, boosting the economy and delivering much needed improvements to education infrastructure,” Mr Gardner said.
“Importantly, we are delivering the upgrades which will allow us to shift Year 7 to high school in 2022, with our schools ready to welcome Year 7 students from day one, term one next year.”
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said council supported development that was well planned and designed.
“We want growth that is sustainable and creates economic uplift, where new communities have access to and the facilities are close to the new homes,” Mr Docherty said.
“Riverbanks College is doing just that and we are excited to see it reach its final stages in a key growth area of Angle Vale.
“Riverbanks will become a pivotal community hub for our region and we are looking forward to building those connections between the school and Playford’s diverse local community.
“Council welcomes the new school into its community and knows that quality public education facilities are required and sought out by families in our community.”
Mr Docherty said council had partnered with the government to allow community access to school facilities such as sporting ovals and a gymnasium, which would be open for community use by groups and public events.