Major redevelopment projects have been announced for three schools in Western Australia, with a combined investment exceeding $100 million. Education Minister Sabine Winton confirmed that significant upgrades will take place at Rockingham Senior High School, Rockingham Education Support Centre, and Safety Bay Senior High School, aimed at enhancing educational facilities for local students.
Rockingham Senior High School Upgrades
The renovation for Rockingham Senior High School and Rockingham Education Support Centre, which share a campus, involves a $61.5 million investment. This project will include the construction of a new education support hub featuring eight classrooms specifically designed for students with additional needs. The hub will also provide specialist therapy facilities and a dedicated bus drop-off area.
In addition to the support hub, the high school will see the development of a state-of-the-art technologies block. This will house materials technology workshops, a textiles studio, a STEM laboratory, and a home economics studio featuring a commercial kitchen and café. A new sports hall, complete with changing rooms and toilets, will also be constructed, alongside a visual arts, media, information technology, and music block. Furthermore, the existing gymnasium will be transformed into a performing arts theatre and dance studio, while student services, IT laboratories, and computer labs are set to undergo refurbishments.
The architectural design for this expansive project has been crafted by Parry and Rosenthal Architects, with Merym Pty Ltd, trading as EMCO Building, awarded the main construction contract. The redevelopment will be executed in stages, with the first phase expected to be completed by December 2026, and the entire project anticipated to conclude by July 2029.
Safety Bay Senior High School Redevelopment
Nearby, a separate allocation of $41.5 million has been designated for the redevelopment of Safety Bay Senior High School. This project will feature a new administration block, a double-storey sports hall, and an arts building. The redevelopment will also replace the existing synthetic soccer pitch and include new external courts.
Refurbishments will enhance the food science studio, while an arts studio and IT laboratories will be converted to accommodate a commercial kitchen, café, and STEM laboratory. The school’s former gymnasium will be renovated to serve as a performing arts theatre with retractable seating. Additional improvements will encompass re-roofing of the math and science blocks, the creation of landscaped courtyards, and the establishment of a bus shed, bicycle area, and extra parking facilities.
The design for this project has been conducted by T&Z Architects, with the construction contract awarded to McCorkell Constructions WA Pty Ltd. Similar to the Rockingham projects, this redevelopment will also be completed in stages, with the first segment projected to finish by January 2026 and final works slated for completion by May 2028.
These ambitious redevelopment efforts form part of the Cook Government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure in Western Australia. Minister Winton emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “We are making a massive investment in upgrading facilities for students and staff at Rockingham Senior High School, Rockingham Education Support Centre, and Safety Bay Senior High School. The significant upgrades to these schools in our southern suburbs will ensure students have access to modern facilities that enable them to reach their potential.”
Local representative Magenta Marshall added, “The redevelopment of our two public high schools at Rockingham and Safety Bay will give local students better opportunities for learning in state-of-the-art facilities. These upgrades will not only improve education outcomes but also support local jobs and strengthen our community. As a local mum, I am proud that we’re investing in our kids and their future.”
With these projects, the local government aims to create an improved educational environment that benefits students, staff, and the surrounding community.
