The Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct has been selected as the site for a new high school, which has been planned to address the growing demand in Brisbane’s inner-south.
Back in 2017, the Queensland Government promised to build two new secondary schools for the inner city as well as expand West End State School. One of the two new schools will be built on Brookes Street in Fortitude Valley to service the inner-north communities. The project is currently in the planning stages and the school is expected to open in 2020.
Read: West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City
Inner-South School
It took some months for the government to determine the site for the new inner-south school. Initially, they explored the possibilities of Davies Park, Kurilpa Point and Dutton Park for the planned high school.
In the end, Dutton Park proved to be the ideal area for the new school.
The Ecosciences Precinct’s access to existing and future transport networks is one of the reasons why it was seen as the ideal location. It also helped that the government’s partner in the school project, The University of Queensland is also easily accessible via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. Proximity to UQ will help maximise opportunities for the students to access the university’s resources.
The site, which sits on state-owned land, was also chosen because of its close connection to health sciences precincts and hospital and its capacity to support urban growth and development.
Population Growth Response
The building of the new schools is a response of the government to the growing population in the inner-city.
“As a local parent, I have witnessed first-hand the significant population growth in the inner-south and the corresponding impact on local school populations, like Brisbane State High, which is the largest secondary school across the nation,” said Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad.
“That’s why I have fought hard, on behalf of my local community, to secure a new school for the inner-south because I know it is the number one issue for our community, Ms Trad said.
Locals within inner-city Brisbane have expressed dismay at the lack of foresight in planning for schools in the area. Recent reports have indicated overcrowding in schools as a result of more families moving to apartments near Brisbane CBD.
Read: West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding
Read: How the Apartment Industry in West End is Causing Problems for Schools
Future of Inner-City Schools
The new Dutton Park school is expected to open for Year 7 students from the start of 2021. UQ will be actively participating in developing innovative education for the Years 7-12 in the secondary school.
The Queensland Government will seek community feedback on the project. There will be school and community information sessions in February and March 2018.
The construction of the new high schools is part of the government’s $800-million Building Future Schools program.
Get updates on the Building Future Schools program.
