First look at $42m Roebourne District High School design redevelopment as works set to start this year

The very-first look at the design for the $42 million redevelopment of Roebourne District High School has been released, with the project set to begin construction this year. The redevelopment of the school — the only secondary facility in the Pilbara town — was announced in August 2020 as part of the State Government’s WA Recovery Plan. The original school was built in 1961 and about 99 per cent of its students are Indigenous. The works will include a social and culturally led learning environment for students from pre-school to secondary school, with specific programs to engage Aboriginal children. Pedersen Hook Architects were announced as the head architects for the project that November and held a series of community engagement sessions with students and residents to provide input into the final design. The new design intends to provide greater opportunities for staff and students to understand and respect Aboriginal history, culture, and language and create meaningful local jobs in the process. Works on the temporary school build began this month while the tender for the main works is expected to be advertised in May with works estimated to commence later this year. Education Minister Sue Ellery said the architectural design for major redevelopment of Roebourne District High School was complete. “Engaging with the Roebourne community on the project’s development has been crucial to ensure that the school community’s needs and aspirations are incorporated into the plans,” she said, “The Roebourne community has provided feedback that this project exemplifies community engagement in providing the opportunity for culturally connected education facilities. “It’s exciting to see the vision for Roebourne District High School, and other projects we have invested in tor improve and modernise schools in the Pilbara region, coming together.” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said It was exciting to see the first images of the Roebourne community’s vision for their new school. “I’m pleased that the Roebourne community has had significant input into shaping the project, and has been brought along for the journey,” he said. “All students deserve a quality education and facilities that inspire them to learn – no matter where they live.”