CONSTRUCTION is underway on the $4 million creative hub at Central Regional TAFE’s Geraldton, as part of the Western Australian government’s $184.5 million investment into TAFE.
The campus’ dated visual arts building will be expanded and refurbished, making way for modern studios, classrooms and a technology centre.
“The upgrade to the visual arts building will allow students to gain practical, hands-on skills in industry-standard training facilities that will mimic work environments,” said Mark McGowan, premier of Western Australia.
These upgrades will be used for fashion and textiles, jewellery-making, paint and ceramics, photography, multimedia and graphic design training in the region.
“This is welcome news for TAFE in Geraldton, delivering first class facilities for students and teachers of creative industries,” said Lara Dalton, Geraldton MLA.
Across the state’s mid-west, enrolments have grown by 32% in the McGowan Government’s Lower Fees, Local Skills TAFE program, compared to last year.
“These new classrooms, studios and technology labs give regional students more options to study outside the metro area and stay closer to home.”
The new works were designed by Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, a local firm and will be delivered by Crothers Construction.
The construction phase of the project will generate employment by approximately 200 workers, as part of the WA Recovery Plan.
“The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring all Western Australians can access affordable training, including those living in regional areas,” said Sue Ellery, education and training minister.
The upgrades are scheduled for a mid-2022 completion, with training at the site to commence from the campus’ second semester.
Other commitments made by the WA state government in its 2021-22 State Budget was to boost investments into social housing by $875 million, seeing 275 new regional homes delivered and includes the $750 million Social Housing Investment Fund.
While the government recently announced it would extend the rebate for off-the-plan residential purchases for two more years after the state delivered a surplus of $5.6 billion.
