East Derwent Primary School is set for a $12 million redevelopment after the Tasmanian Government released a concept plan for the Bridgewater site.
The plan includes new classrooms, support spaces and administration buildings to replace ageing infrastructure and demountables at the school in Hobart’s north.
The department says the school is running at around 70% of its enrolment capacity while relying on modular buildings to house students.
Community consultation on the concept plan is open until July 10 with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
Much of the design follows feedback gathered in earlier consultation.
A department report on that consultation says students and staff called for more shaded outdoor learning areas, indoor sensory spaces and upgraded toilets for both students and staff.
Of the 17 online feedback forms received, eight respondents said there were areas of the school not identified for redevelopment that should be prioritised.
The most common concerns were updated bathrooms, more shaded areas, issues with the car park and the need for an inviting and inclusive playground.
The two words most commonly chosen to describe how the school should look and feel were “welcoming” and “safe”.
Staff also questioned the size of the new teaching area, with one comment in the report reading three classrooms “are not enough”.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the upgrade was part of a broader building program.
“These major upgrades are part of our $188 million School Building Blitz, which is delivering significant improvements to 15 schools across the State,” she said.
“We know that when we invest in high-quality, well-designed spaces, we are investing directly in our students and staff.”
Palmer encouraged the community to review the plan and have their say so the facilities meet the needs of the school now and into the future.
The concept plan and artist impressions developed by architects Thomson Rossi are available on the department website.
