By DANIELLE GALVIN
AN $8.5 million investment in Kooweerup Secondary College would finish the school’s refurbishment – one of the biggest building projects the town has ever seen.
College principal Kym Bridgford is hoping the State Government will announce funding for the second stage of development at the school as part of staged and drawn out budget announcements.
Construction of the new school is well underway with three new hubs including an open plan learning space.
Mr Bridgford said the development will bring the college “into a new era” and would rival the facilities at the new Officer Secondary College and Cranbourne East’s upgrade.
The second stage includes plans for a basketball stadium, dance hall, theatre and mini gym but funding is yet to be finalised.
“It could potentially be leased by an outside organisation,” he said.
The main administration building would also get a facelift to ensure continuity at the college.
“This would be a tremendous facility for Kooweerup,” he said.
Mr Bridgford said Cardinia Shire Council could also come into partnership with the school to use the buildings constructed in stage two as community facilities.
He said the school had negotiated with a resident whose view was obstructed by water tanks to move them to another part of the school as part of the work.
“Most of the students are excited to see the building site and to see it all happening to their school,” he said.
“They are quite excited to see their old school being rebuilt.”
Assistant principal Peter Bottomley said the frame had gone up quickly and everyone was looking forward to the finished product.
“This is an important time in the history of Kooweerup,” he said.
