West End State School Archives

West End Residents Push Back Against 16-Storey Tower Near Primary School

Parents and residents in West End have voiced strong opposition to a proposal for a 16-storey apartment tower directly across from West End State School, warning the project would overwhelm local infrastructure and impact neighbourhood character.

Read: West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta

Plans for Vulture Street Development

The proposed mixed-use development at 33 Vulture Street includes 132 dwellings, food and drink outlets, shops or offices, and a rooftop garden.

Artist’s impression of proposed mixed-use building for Vulture St (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006760664)

The design features a three-storey podium that incorporates the preserved facades of an existing commercial character building, with two levels of active frontages facing Vulture Street. Above this, a 13-level tower would house apartments.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006760664

Developers have planned 199 car parking spaces and 165 bicycle spaces for residents and visitors.

Community Concerns

16-storey — Photo credit: West End State School Parents and Citizens Association/Facebook

The proposal, currently on public notification, has already drawn hundreds of submissions to Brisbane, the vast majority of which are opposed. Residents argued the project far exceeds the site’s zoning allowance of eight storeys, raising concerns about its scale and impact on the surrounding community.

Vanessa Bertagnole, the head of West End State School Parents and Citizens Association, has said that while West End is already experiencing heavy development, this tower would sit directly on the school’s doorstep and place further pressure on infrastructure that is already struggling to keep pace.

Safety, liveability, and school impact

Many residents highlighted traffic and safety issues in their submissions. One submission noted the inclusion of 199 car parks would significantly increase vehicle movements in what is already a congested school zone.

“West End State School is a high-footfall zone, with hundreds of children walking, cycling, or scooting to school daily. The influx of vehicles from this development will exacerbate congestion during peak drop-oƯ and pick-up times, increase overflow parking on narrow streets, and pose unacceptable safety risks to children,” one resident said in their submission.

“I support growth but insist it must be balanced, sensitive, and infrastructure-supported. I believe the proposed development is too intense and inconsiderate of local liveability,” one resident wrote.

Concerns raised included the loss of winter sunlight, reduced solar efficiency for nearby homes, increased noise, and the 16-storey tower’s looming presence over the school. Privacy and student wellbeing were also mentioned as key issues.

Read: Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete

The development proposal remains open for public comment, with Council to consider the community feedback before making a final decision.

Published 2-September-2025

West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta

West End State School is turning 150 — and the entire community is invited to join the party. On Saturday, 16 August, the school grounds on Vulture Street will come alive with the sights, sounds and spirit of celebration for a milestone event that pays tribute to the school’s remarkable legacy, vibrant culture, and close-knit neighbourhood ties.

Read: 150th Anniversary Celebrations Underway at West End State School

Dubbed the Fiesta 150, the day-long event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm and promises a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly fun. Carnival rides, live music, roaming performers, and colourful stalls will set the stage for a joyful gathering that reflects the diverse heart of West End.

Visitors can indulge in a wide range of delicious eats from a stellar line-up of food trucks, including Yomigo, This Little Piggy, The Tasty Pocket, and more — serving up everything from frozen treats to flavour-packed savoury options. Younger guests will love the face painting and crazy hair stations, while adults can try their luck in the 150th Mega Raffle. Prizes up for grabs include $1,000 cash, a family getaway to the Gold Coast, and a range of exciting prize packages.

Celebrating the Past, Supporting the Future

But beyond the festivities lies a deeper purpose. The event aims to raise funds for revitalising the school’s beloved Kurilpa Trail heritage area, a project designed to honour the past while creating new outdoor play and learning spaces for future generations.

Organisers are encouraging not just current students and families to attend, but also past pupils, long-time West End locals, and anyone with a connection to the school.

Whether you’re returning to your old school stomping grounds or discovering the community for the first time, Fiesta 150 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the shared history and bright future of one of Brisbane’s most cherished public schools.

Read: Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete

For more details, including raffle tickets and stallholder information, visit the official event site at www.wessfiesta150.com.

Published 15-July-2025
Updated 6-Aug-2025

150th Anniversary Celebrations Underway at West End State School

Photo Credit: West End State School/Facebook

West End State School is commemorating its 150th anniversary with a year-long program of events, celebrating its historic role in the West End community.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Founded in 1875, West End State School has served generations of students in Brisbane’s inner southwest. Located at 24 Vulture Street, the school was established on a former cemetery site, with its original brick building designed by architect Richard Suter. It officially opened with 236 pupils.

Throughout its history, the school has undergone significant changes, including the construction of Depression-era buildings in the 1930s and a major amalgamation in 1995 between the West End Infants School and the Year 3–7 cohort. The school was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in April 2018 for its architectural, cultural, and social significance.

150th anniversary West End State School — * For everyone’s safety, inflatables set-up will depend on the weather conditions
Photo Credit: West End State School

Year-Long Anniversary Program

The official 150th anniversary falls on 16 August 2025, but celebrations began in 2024 and will continue throughout 2025. The school has planned a range of activities, weather permitting, including:

Monthly Memory Morning Teas in the K Block Library, encouraging past students to bring photographs and memorabilia.
Memorabilia Morning Teas and Decade Reunions scheduled for various dates in 2025.
A WESS Staff Reunion on 21 June 2025.
The flagship 150th Anniversary Fiesta on 16 August 2025.
A creative showcase titled WESS WECreate 150th on 24 October 2025.

A launch event for students—the Inflatables Kids Launch Party—is planned for 27 March 2025 during school hours.

West End State School memorabilia — Caption: A hand-painted quilt from 1997 submitted during the Monthly Memory Morning Tea of October 2024.
Photo Credit: West End State School/Facebook

Community Involvement and Cultural Acknowledgement

As part of the 1995 amalgamation, West End State School redefined its sports houses through consultation with the local Aboriginal community and the WESS AASPA (Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness Program) Committee.

The house names—Baruga, Kurilpa, Chullawong, and Dungar—were approved by local Elders, including Mr Robert Anderson, reflecting native fauna and Aboriginal language. The school was recognised by the ATSI Government Department for this inclusive approach.

Fiesta Stall Coordination and Volunteer Engagement

Volunteer coordinators were recruited for the Fiesta event on 16 August 2025. A wide range of stall positions were opened, including bar, bake sale, handmade goods, raffles, and games. The initiative is managed in collaboration with the school’s P&C.

WESS P&C association — Photo Credit: *WESS P&C Association/Facebook*

Looking Ahead

The anniversary program continues to grow, with planning updates distributed via newsletters and community calls for memorabilia. Alumni are encouraged to follow the school’s Facebook page to stay informed.

150th anniversary events — Photo Credit: *WESS P&C Association/Facebook*

West End State School remains a central institution in the local area, with its 150th celebrations offering a rare opportunity to reflect on its long-standing educational and community legacy.

Published 26-Mar-2025

Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete

Photo Credit: Queensland Government / statements.qld.gov.au

Stage 2 of the West End State School expansion is now complete. The $34-million expansion added more than 2,000 students to the school’s enrollment capacity and provided 95 jobs to the community during its construction.

The project was unveiled last 16 September at a ceremony attended by Education Minister Grace Grace who confirmed that the state government has invested $55 million between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the redevelopment.

Ms Grace said that she was pleased that the project for West End State School delivered exactly what the department would like to ensure: Queensland students get a world-class education in state-of-the-art facilities.

West End State School expansion — Photo Credit: West End State School

Stage 2 of the expansion delivered a new 18-classroom learning facility with an undercroft and a resource centre building with staff and administration rooms. Furthermore, the project included the construction of a Performing Arts Centre with two music rooms, a 500-seater auditorium, a car park and a commercial grade canteen for events and a tuckshop.

The project delivered a new 18-classroom learning facility with an undercroft | Photo Credit: Queensland Government / statements.qld.gov.au

The project included the construction of a Performing Arts Centre with two music rooms and a 500-seater auditorium | Photo Credit: Queensland Government / statements.qld.gov.au

“I also thank the P&C for their efforts in contributing around $290,000 to upgrade the canteen to a commercial grade kitchen, and to create a P&C office and uniform shop,” Ms Grace added.

“This expansion also includes new greenspace including a playground area with tiered seating and shady trees and a second grassed oval for the school on Vulture Street.

“The Palaszczuk Government is all about creating good jobs and providing better services to enhance our great Queensland lifestyle, and this project has ticked all three boxes.”

Cox Architecture and Hutchinson Builders were awarded the contracts to deliver the project.

“I’m really grateful to the architects and builders who were very responsive throughout the process to the needs of our school community, which highly values creativity, flexibility and maximising the use of space to keep children active,” West End State School Principal Kim McNamara said.

West End State School Gets Keys to New L Block

West End State School (WESS) received the keys to its brand new learning centre following the completion of Stage 1 of its $25 million expansion. Principal Kim McNamara received the keys during the handover ceremony on 10 Aug 2020 from South Brisbane MP Jackie Trad.

Representatives of Cox Architects and Hutchinson Builder were also present during the handover. The school community collaborated with these builders for the design and planning of the school’s expansion.

Photo Credit: West End State School Parents and Citizens Association/Facebook

The new learning centre, dubbed the L Block, is a three-storey building with 16 learning spaces, spacious outdoor areas and a new pick-up/drop-off zone.

Ms McNamara said that the completed section will help the school keep the students actively engaged in learning. Both the teachers and the kids have been keenly looking forward to using the facilities by the end of August.

Education MP Grace Grace also congratulated the school community for its new facilities. The construction and completion went ahead and made 100 jobs available to locals despite the threats of the coronavirus.

“This $25 million expansion has given students more room to play and learn,” Ms Grace said. “More than 300 Preppies & Year 1 students will move into the building at the end of August.”

Photo Credit: West End State School/Facebook

Meanwhile, the construction of Stage 2 is up next, according to Ms Trad. The project has an estimated 2022 completion.

“Our government will be delivering the Stage 2 Expansion at WESS! This will see the construction of an additional learning centre, administration and library building, Performing Arts Centre and more greenspace,” the MP posted on Facebook. “This is huge news for our school community and something I have worked hard to deliver, alongside parents, staff and students. It’s also a vital investment that will create more Queensland jobs for construction workers and tradies as we unite and recover from COVID-19.”

The school’s expansion is critical to the growing number of enrollees year after year. The state’s Department of Education acquired additional properties adjacent to the old WESS to accommodate the needs of the school community.

West End State School Expansion Set to Start, Public Feedback Sought

A long-awaited change is soon to happen at West End State School (WESS).

After Christmas and during the holidays, demolition work will commence to make way for the expansion of West End State School.

Locals have long called for the expansion of the inner-city school. To realise this expansion, the State Government purchased the properties bounded by Horan, Ambleside and Vulture streets, just directly across the existing WESS campus.

While the properties on the expansion lot are being demolished, the planning and design team will work on the detailed design based on the master plan.

Addressing Enrolment Demand

WESS has seen strong enrolment growth in recent years. In that last 10 years, about 5,000 students have joined Queensland state schools in and around the inner city. The government expects to see over 3,000 new students moving into the Brisbane CBD area in the next five years.

At the moment, the West End school has more than 1,000 enrolled students. To accommodate additional enrolments, the government has chosen the Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct as the site for the second inner-city south school. Another school is also being built in Fortitude Valley to address the enrolment demand in the inner north.

The project is part of the Queensland Government’s Building Future Schools Fund, which will inject over $800 million for new and growing communities.

Have Your Say on the Master Plan

The master plan calls for new school buildings on the purchased lot on Horan Street. These buildings will accommodate additional enrolments as well as specialised teaching spaces at WESS.

West End State School Master Plan — Photo credit: Queensland Government

In general, the master plan will include the following key elements:

Two general learning buildings
Administration and resource hub
Creative and performing arts
Undercroft areas to provide covered space
Additional open and green space
Demolition of properties acquired for the expansion
Possible closure of Horan Street between Ambleside and Vulture streets. These will be incorporated into the school grounds to provide additional outdoor space and ensuring student safety across the campus
Designated pick up/drop off zones

The development will come in stages, with Stage 1 set for completion in 2020. Completion of the first stage will increase the school’s capacity from 952 to 1,350. Stage 2, which should be completed in 2022, will increase capacity to 1,500 students.

Public consultation regarding the master plan will be open until Thursday 3 January 2019.

Complete the feedback form to have your say on the WESS expansion master plan.

West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City

Inner city Brisbane locals are soon to see their wish for additional schools become a reality, with two new schools set to be built and West End State School slated to be expanded.

The positive news was announced by the Queensland government, which is allotting $500 million for the three projects. This is in response to the clamour of parents in the inner city area for additional schools as current schools are over their capacity. The budget falls within the Building Future Schools Fund of the government.

Part of the plan is the use of the former site of Fortitude Valley State School, which was previously planned to be sold. A new school will be constructed on that site and classes should start by 2020. This school will be built in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology.

A new location is yet to be determined for the other new school planned to be built in the inner-south. This will be delivered with the help of the University of Queensland. Once built, it would become an alternative to Brisbane State High School.

West End State School will also receive funding for its expansion to accommodate an increasing number of students. The plan involves the purchase of a lot parallel to the school, on Horan Street. This lot will be used for the additional classrooms.

Responding to Population Growth

The $500-million fund is a direct response of the government to the long-standing education issue in the inner-city area. Parents have been expressing concern over the inadequate number of schools to meet the demand of a growing population in the area.

The stronger demand for schools is a result of the rapid increase in the number of apartments in the area. In fact, a large number of students in the inner city area was found to be living in apartments.

Read: West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding
Read: How the Apartment Industry in West End is Causing Problems for Schools

Because of the lure of the inner city in terms of lifestyle and the quality of education, people from the outer suburbs are trading their houses for apartment life in the inner city.

Each of the two new schools will have a capacity of 1,200 to 1,500 students, while West End State School will increase capacity from 952 students to 1,500 students.