- Cook Labor Government progressing development of East Perth Primary School
- Major milestones achieved, with architects appointed and forward works set to commence this week
- $165 million funded in the State Budget to deliver the new primary school
- Additional three new primary schools to open in 2027 across Perth
The Cook Labor Government has today announced major milestones have been reached in the delivery of the new inner-city primary school in East Perth, with the project moving to the design stage and forward works set to begin this week.
Architects have now been appointed to undertake detailed design of the East Perth Primary School development, which is now fully funded with $165 million allocated in the State Budget.
The funding includes $19 million for the commencement of detailed design, forward works and relocation of Western Power Services.
Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Dr Tony Buti today also announced the locations for three new primary schools to open in Perth's north and south for the start of the 2027 school year.
Alkimos North East Primary School (planning name), Banksia Grove West Primary School (planning name) and Piara Waters West Primary School (planning name) will provide additional capacity for local families in areas experiencing significant population growth.
A further $5.6 million has been allocated in the State Budget for planning towards upgrades and expansions at a number of existing schools.
The contract for the design of East Perth Primary School has been awarded to WA firm Edgar Idle Wade (EIW), and includes a joint venture agreement with ARM Architecture.
Together, the firms will bring their extensive experience in Western Australia, interstate and overseas in delivering high quality educational infrastructure. Students will enjoy modern facilities that support teaching and learning in a unique vertical design.
It is anticipated the school will open its doors for the beginning of the 2029 school year with capacity for 600 students, easing enrolment pressure on Highgate Primary School. The design allows for a future stage to expand the school to accommodate a further 200 students.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"We promised a new primary school for families in the inner city, and my WA Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering exactly that.
"The appointment of architects and start of early works this week are exciting milestones for the East Perth Primary School development, which is essential to accommodate growing enrolments as more families choose to live in and around the Perth CBD.
"East Perth Primary School is now fully funded and on track to become an important part of the fabric of our city, providing local students with a first-class education from 2029.
"My Government is also committed to building quality school infrastructure in our suburbs, with planning now underway for brand new primary schools to open at Alkimos North East, Banksia Grove West and Piara Waters West in 2027."
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"This project will not only deliver the first vertical public primary school in WA, but also a bespoke design that will take advantage of the site with facilities to deliver a world-class education for students.
"Like all of our schools, we want this school to not only provide an outstanding education for students, but also to serve the community in which it lives.
"As well as providing education, the school's facilities will be available for community use outside school hours for the benefit of local residents."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"Our inner-city community continues to grow with more families making the decision to live in Perth, which is why we have committed to building a new state-of-the-art inner-city primary school in East Perth.
"While at every opportunity, the WA Liberals and the City of Perth have sought to oppose and delay this important project, the Cook Labor Government has been getting on with the job to deliver the East Perth Primary School.
"I'm deeply proud that our Government has fully committed $165 million in the State Budget to construct the new East Perth Primary School, anticipated to open its doors for the beginning of the school year 2029.
"Along with delivering the new East Perth Primary School, be very clear it is the Cook Government driving major transformative projects to get more people to live in our city including the ECU City Campus, the WACA redevelopment and the Pier Street affordable housing development to make our City more vibrant and liveable."
