Education Minister Sabine Winton announced a significant investment in educational infrastructure today, revealing plans for multimillion-dollar redevelopments at Rockingham Senior High School, Rockingham Education Support Centre, and Safety Bay Senior High School. The projects aim to enhance facilities for students and staff in the region, with upgrades totaling approximately $61.5 million for Rockingham schools and $41.5 million for Safety Bay.
Major Upgrades Planned for Rockingham Schools
The redevelopment of Rockingham Senior High School and the Rockingham Education Support Centre will introduce a new education support hub. This facility will feature eight classrooms and specialized therapy-related spaces, along with a dedicated bus drop-off area to accommodate students with additional needs. Additionally, the high school will receive a cutting-edge technologies block that includes materials technology workshops, a textiles studio, a STEM laboratory, and a home economics studio equipped with a commercial kitchen and café.
Other notable enhancements include the construction of a new sports hall, complete with change rooms and toilets, and a dedicated block for visual arts, media, information technology, and music. The current gymnasium is set to be transformed into a performing arts theatre and dance studio. Refurbishments will also extend to student services facilities, IT laboratories, computer labs, and drama classrooms.
The design of the project has been executed by Parry and Rosenthal Architects, with the main construction contract awarded to Merym Pty Ltd, trading as EMCO Building. The redevelopment is planned in stages, with the first stage expected to be completed by December 2026. Final works are projected to conclude by July 2029.
Safety Bay Senior High School Enhancements
Nearby, $41.5 million has been earmarked for Safety Bay Senior High School’s redevelopment, which includes a new administration block and a double-storey sports hall and arts building. The project will also see the replacement of an artificial soccer pitch and the addition of new external courts. Refurbishments will target a food science studio and convert an arts studio and IT laboratories to create a commercial kitchen, café, and STEM laboratory.
The existing gymnasium will be upgraded to serve as a performing arts theatre equipped with retractable seating. Additional improvements will involve re-roofing the current math and science blocks, as well as the creation of landscaped courtyards, a bus shed, bicycle areas, and extra parking spaces.
The design for this project was developed by T&Z Architects, with the construction contract awarded to McCorkell Constructions WA Pty Ltd. This redevelopment will also be conducted in stages, with the initial phase expected to be completed by January 2026 and final works concluding in May 2028.
These projects are part of the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure across 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.”
Winton highlighted that the renovations would provide modern facilities that enable students to reach their full potential. Local Member of Parliament Magenta Marshall echoed these sentiments, noting that the redevelopment would create better learning opportunities and enhance community support. “As a local mum, I am proud that we’re investing in our kids and their future,” she stated.
These comprehensive upgrades are expected to not only improve educational outcomes but also stimulate local employment and strengthen community ties, marking a significant step forward for schools in the Rockingham and Safety Bay areas.
