Major school upgrades for Underdale and Port Lincoln

With its strong history in trades and technical training, the Underdale High campus was previously dominated by a mass of transportable buildings and asphalt connections. The trade focus will continue with a reconfiguration and extension of the automotive building to include metalwork, but demolition of ten transportable buildings, and more structured landscaping, will help to soften the school into its setting alongside the River Torrens.

A significant addition includes a new creative arts centre for music, art and drama studies, to be collocated with a new school canteen. Few buildings in the school will remain untouched, with refurbishments detailed for the main entry, a new two storey administration building, extension to the existing gymnasium and a further refurbishments creating four science laboratories and general learning areas in other parts of the site.

At Port Lincoln High, natural growth and an incoming Year 7 population has resulted in the need for a significant regional 7-12 school upgrade. In addition to the design of a new Year 7 building and additional Home Economics facilities, we consulted closely with the school community in the development of a new specialist facility as the home of art and language learning. A strong indigenous cohort in Port Lincoln has informed a thriving art program, and we look forward to incorporating some amazing student artworks into the finished design.

A new Special School annexe comprises a significant upgrade for Port Lincoln High School. The facility will allow secondary students from the separately located Port Lincoln Special School to be based on the High School site, expanding access into specialist facilities such as Home Economics, Tech Studies and Art. The annexe includes withdrawal spaces and a secure outdoor area, and direct access to the specialist art facility. Adding a dedicated Special School annexe has triggered a much-needed audit and upgrade of connections and access across this steep and difficult site, ensuring equitable access and movement for all site users.

Both Underdale and Port Lincoln High Schools are due for completion in late 2021.