Tamworth Public School’s upgrade designs have been revealed, and while it’s “future-focused” inside, the street frontage will reflect the heritage nature of the school and nearby houses.
That’s according to principal Chris Connor, who revealed the designs for the first time yesterday with Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson.
The images show modern, open-plan, accessible buildings, but Mr Connor said “the architects have been very sensitive to the historical need of the school”.
Read also:
“The Brisbane Street frontage of this building is actually being modelled on the older buildings that are here, so the view from the road will still give you that historical vista of the buildings – but modern on the inside for the kids and the staff.”
The upgrade’s price tag was commercial-in-confidence but “multi-million dollar”, Mr Anderson said.
“This will help the school continue to provide an exceptional education to its students and is the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any state government in Australian history,” he said.
The upgrade will include a new two-storey block with seven teaching spaces and an elevator.
The current staffroom will become the new school hall with enough room for 1200 on the floor, or 800 chairs. The current school hall will become the new staffroom.
“We’re hoping that work will start at the beginning of the school year … and hopefully will progress through that year for completion some time in early 2020,” Mr Connor said.
School captains Simon Matteus and Elle Woods, and vice-captain Kendra Fitzpatrick, checked out the designs and share their thoughts.
They gave the plans their tick of approval – although, being in Year 6, they won’t get to use the new facilities once they come to fruition.
“All of us have siblings in the school, though, so we will be able to come back and see it,” Elle said.
- There are still opportunities to provide feedback, including information booths in the school hall next Monday from 5-7pm, and at the Bourke St drop-off area on Tuesday from 8.30-9.30am
- Another way to have a say is by contacting School Infrastructure NSW on 1300 482 651 or schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au
- The project is being tracked at https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/projects/t/tamworth-public-school.html
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
