Preston south Primary SchooL

major Upgrade & Modernisation

Investment: $14.6 million
Status: Completed

The major upgrades at Preston South Primary school are now officially complete, marking an enormous milestone for this exceptional school.

If you’ve walked down Hotham Street, you would have seen the extraordinary transformation made possible with a $14.6 million investment from the State Labor Government.

Students, teachers and staff are delighting in their beautiful new three-story building, fresh landscaping and outdoor play areas. The modern collaborative classrooms, outdoor study areas and dedicated science spaces are already creating wonderful learning opportunities

Education has the power to transform lives. It’s why as your MP I’ll always fight for every student to have access to a great local school right here in the inner north – no matter their background or circumstances.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve worked as part of a Labor Government that has invested over $100 million in local schools across our suburbs. That includes nearby Preston High, Thornbury High and Northcote High, where major works are delivering first-class facilities.

Schools are at the heart of our community, and schools like Preston South Primary nurture the next generation to learn and thrive. I am so proud to support this remarkable community with the facilities to go even further.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Preston South Primary has had it tough over the years - including two fires which limited the space available for students.

But this dynamo of a school has persevered. Principal Leon Leonidas and his team have worked with commitment and dedication to turn the fortunes of the school around - and I have been honoured to work side by side with them on this journey.

In 2019 I met with members of the School Council and we nutted out the best approach to achieve an upgrade for Preston South (pictured). That meant that in 2020, when the Government announced a stimulus package to fast-track school upgrades - we were ready.

It has taken hard work from the school community and I’ve pushed hard within Government - but what we’ve delivered will be an extraordinary legacy for generations of students in our suburbs.

Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) have been appointed for this very important project. KTA won an award for the beautiful Northcote High School Performing Arts Centre.

And you may also recognise KTA’s work in designing the Tarrawarra Cellar Door.