By Bonny Burrows
Early works are underway on a new school in Pakenham’s north east.
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas paid a visit to the primary school’s Atlantic Drive site on 9 February for the official turning of the first sod.
Pakenham North East Primary School – its working title – is one of 56 school projects under construction across the state.
Designed by Architectus and K2LD in consultation with local residents, the school is being built by Kane Constructions and will open for the 2019 school year.
Pakenham North East Primary will accommodate 475 students from Prep to Grade 6, with room for expansion, and during peak construction will employ more than 100 workers.
Mr Pallas said the school would provide students with “a great place to learn and a great community to be a part of”.
“Sixty thousand people a year are moving to Pakenham, each and every year since 2003, so the enormity of the population growth puts great pressure on services,” Mr Pallas said.
The new school, at a cost of $13.8 million, was funded in last year’s State Budget.
“We got on with the job of building the new schools families living in some of Melbourne’s fastest growing communities are crying out for – including right here in Cardinia,” Mr Pallas said.
“We are building the Education State so that no matter where you live you can have access to a fantastic education at a great local school.”
Construction is expected to start in late February.
