School Modernisation Program
Garran Primary School first welcomed students in 1967. Today, more than 50 years later, it is a thriving school attended by more than 600 students from Preschool to Year 6.
The ACT Government is delivering new and upgraded public schools to meet the needs of our growing city. The Woden region continues to see high enrolment growth and, to meet the school’s current and future needs, the ACT Government is undertaking an expansion and significant modernisation of Garran Primary School. Once complete, Garran Primary’s modernisation will increase capacity up to 975 students from preschool to year 6.
This modern, sustainable facility will be designed as an inclusive space to support all students. The design will include flexible spaces to foster student development and learning. In addition, the school will have a new modern gymnasium, new canteen, hard courts, better parking and green spaces to create a vibrant and dynamic environment. This project will undoubtedly be a great addition to the Woden community, providing a space for students to flourish and learn.
Garran Primary School is about to embark on a transformational journey that will not only benefit its students and staff but also the entire Woden community.
Current Stage
On 22 January 2024, the Development Application (DA) for the Garran Primary School modernisation design was submitted for approval. Pending DA approval, construction is expected to begin late April 2024. We will keep you updated on the progress of this process.
Initial works are scheduled to start on 13 April 2024. These works will lay the foundation for construction once the Development Application process is completed.
The work will involve installing a kitchen in the library to cater for the after-school care program when the hall is unavailable during the construction period. This work should take approximately two to three weeks. Please note the relocation dates for the after-school care program will be shared with families as soon as they are available.
The school will also be constructing a new play space and carrying out landscaping works at the front of the school. This will include installing synthetic grass, handball courts, and basketball hoops, creating more external spaces for students and the community during and after construction. The area will be cordoned off from the community to ensure their safety throughout this work. This work will take approximately two to three weeks and will not impact access to the school or parking.
Please click here for Proposed site plan
3D renders of the Garran Primary School modernisation:
Take a virtual tour of the school by watching the video below:
Next steps
The infrastructure team are planning to start site establishment during term 2 2024. Please note that the commencement date is subject to the approval of the Development Application.
Leading up to construction and site establishment we will share detailed plans for school operation, what areas will not be available, safety, and traffic management with the community as soon as they are available. We will also provide further drop-in information sessions as required.
The school leadership team understands the challenges presented by the project and is creating plans and alternative spaces when required to ensure the continued delivery of a balanced curriculum that is fun and engaging for all students at Garran Primary School. Plans will be shared when available.
The school leadership team and the Education Directorate are working closely with the After School Care provider to ensure a seamless transition into the new space the program will operate from during the modernisation project. Information will be shared with families as soon as it is available.
The safety of our students, families, staff and visitors is our highest priority. The construction site will be fully enclosed by a construction site fence at all times. The fencing used around the perimeter of the construction site will be routinely reviewed to ensure it is maintaining a safe separation between the school and construction.
Have a question?
You are encouraged to speak to the school leadership team at any time. The project team will be working closely with principal Jenny Priest throughout this process. Alternatively, you can email the Education Directorate on ACT.Education@act.gov.au.
For information about Major Projects Canberra’s works to deconstruct the surge centre and return Garran Oval to community use, please visit the Garran Oval restoration page on the Built for CBR website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The design phase assessed all existing infrastructure, landscaping, site constraints and included school community input to develop the preferred master plan options. The Education Directorate assessed options to extend the site, respond to the wider site context and address the interface with the neighbouring Canberra Hospital campus.
As part of the modernisation of the school, the Directorate is seeking to combine the existing preschool site with the primary school site to move the school’s access away from Gilmore Crescent, creating a safer connection separate to the Canberra Hospital campus.
During the construction stages the Education Directorate has partnered with Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) to engage three Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors. This arrangement will continue throughout construction. At points in the construction stages additional traffic management contractors will be engaged to manage vehicle movements from the site onto public roads. We will update community on this closer to site establishment when this information is available.
Please note that the construction contractor parking and deliveries will be accommodated within the construction site and will not impact parking for parents, carers, and the community which the Head Contractor will closely monitor. Deliveries and access to the site will be continually monitored and included in traffic management plans with spotters and traffic control in place.
To minimise disruption during peak school times, deliveries and heavy vehicle movements will be restricted between 8:30 am to 9:15 am and 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. We will review traffic management plans, vehicle access, and pedestrian access throughout the project and adjust it depending on the stage of construction and as required.
The Directorate will continue to work closely with TCCS, Major Projects Canberra (MPC) and Canberra Health Services (CHS) to ensure all construction teams comply with parking restrictions and regulations.
A new sealed car park will be constructed to the north of the school to replace the current unsealed car park. The new car park accessible from Kitchener Street will have defined parking bays, providing adequate parking for school staff and visitors. Moreover, it will offer a safer space for student pick-up and drop-off.
The new car park will also be available for community and sporting groups that utilise the revitalised Garran playing fields outside of school hours. The existing school car park from Gilmore Crescent will be maintained and upgraded, providing parking for school staff during the day. Additionally, it will serve as a parking space for before- and after-school care and community hirers.
Please note that there will be no vehicular access from Robson Street to the proposed school car park. Nevertheless, the pedestrian access for the school and community will remain.
The site will be enclosed by a construction site fence at all times. The fencing used around the perimeter of the construction site will be routinely reviewed to ensure it is maintaining a safe separation between the school and construction.
During the construction stages the Education Directorate has partnered with Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) to engage three Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors. This arrangement will continue throughout construction.
Further updates will be provided closer to construction commencing.
The 2023-24 budget is the biggest investment in public education infrastructure in ACT Government history, delivering new and upgraded public schools to meet the needs of our growing city.
An investment of $63.3 million through the 2022-23 ACT Budget was committed to the project for the design and construction. The ACT Government committed further funding as part of the $85.7 million investment through the 2023/34 budget for this school, the new school at Strathnairn and the North Gungahlin High School projects.
The project team (ACT Education Directorate, Major Projects Canberra, and consultants) will engage with Garran Primary School community throughout the project, including regular communication through, newsletters, website and FAQ updates.
You are encouraged to speak to the school leadership team at any time. The project team will be working closely with principal Jenny Priest throughout this process. Alternatively, you can email the Education Directorate on ACT.Education@act.gov.au.