Alphington and Fairfield students are a step closer to getting upgraded sporting and learning facilities thanks to the Victorian Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous today unveiled designs for upgrades at Alphington and Fairfield Primary Schools, which will see each school increase their capacity by 200 students ensuring local students can attend their local school.

The Victorian Government is investing $14.1 million investment at Alphington Primary School to deliver a competition-grade gymnasium and music room and a three-level learning building.

As well as the new buildings, there will major renovations to current school buildings including the library, art room and classrooms in the heritage building.

The project and its design has continued to be shaped by community feedback and follows a community consultation process from last year. Construction is expected to start in Term 4, 2020, to be completed and ready for Term 1, 2022.

The Victorian Government is also investing $7 million for a new building at the Wingrove Street site of Fairfield Primary School, to allow for an extra 200 students. Landscaped play areas will also be built at the Langridge Street campus, replacing demolished old classrooms and giving students access to more outdoor space.

Builders are on-site at Fairfield Primary School, with these projects expected to be completed in the first half of 2021.

Fairfield students are already benefiting from a completed $2.5 million upgrade, which included a new two-storey modular building with six learning spaces and student common area.

Under the school building boom, a total of 100 new schools will open by 2026, ensuring every child can access a great local school where they can achieve their best. The Victorian Government has invested $6.1 billion to deliver more than 1,400 school upgrades and supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.

The designs are available online at www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Across Victoria we are working with communities to deliver school upgrades that they have a say in – it’s great to be doing that for both Alphington and Fairfield.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“More and more people are wanting to call 3078 their home. And with $21 million in school upgrades at Fairfield and Alphington Primary - it's easy to see why. “The new classrooms and facilities are the equivalent of a brand new school for our local area and will give our students even more opportunities to learn and thrive.”