By Mitchell Clarke
Pakenham’s newest secondary school is a step closer to welcoming students after a building company was appointed to construct four schools in the south-east.
Education Minister James Merlino announced on Wednesday 11 December that Kane Constructions would build the yet-to-be-named Henry Road Secondary School in Pakenham and the Timbertop Primary School in Officer.
The company will also build the Thoroughbred Primary School in Clyde North and the Cranbourne West Secondary School.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale announced in early September that the land on the corner of Caversham Drive and Henry Road in Pakenham, adjacent to the existing John Henry Primary School, had been purchased.
“We listened to local parents, guardians and the school community all calling for a second high school in Pakenham and we celebrate the land acquisition and being that step closer,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Pakenham Henry Road Secondary School and Thoroughbred Primary School are just two local examples of the school building boom that is happening right across Victoria.
“It’s great news for students in Pakenham, Officer and Clyde North who will soon be able to walk to their new school in their local area.”
The new schools in the south east are just four of 100 new schools delivered under the State Government by 2026, under a $6.1 billion package, which has also included upgrades to over 1400 existing schools.
Builders will soon begin construction on the architecturally designed schools which have been dubbed as ‘state-of-the-art’, catering towards diverse communities by inspiring learning, change and empowering communities.
“We know that Victoria’s population is booming – that’s why we’re building 100 new schools and upgrading existing schools to meet the needs of our growing communities,” Mr Merlino said.
“This exciting appointment means families across the state are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.”
The Henry Road Secondary School and Timbertop Primary School are set to open to the public in 2021.
