Bendigo’s historic prison will be redeveloped as a state-of-the-art education precinct under plans announced by Premier John Brumby today.
Visiting Bendigo Senior Secondary College with Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron as part of the Bendigo Region Community Cabinet, Mr Brumby inspected the school and the former gaol site.
Mr Brumby said the former HM Prison Bendigo, which was built in 1863 with local stone and closed in 2006, would be redeveloped as an education precinct.
“Bendigo Senior Secondary College has invested a lot of time and effort developing a master plan that incorporates the old gaol site into the school,” Mr Brumby said.
“The master plan, which is almost finished, will see the old gaol transformed to house a new performing arts centre, food technology facilities, a Trade Training Centre (TTC) and a canteen.
“This is a wonderful, visionary project and our Government has committed $8 million in this year’s State Budget so the school can begin construction on the first stage of its redevelopment.
“This project will transform one of Bendigo’s historic icons into a cutting edge education precinct for students to enjoy for many decades to come.”
Ms Pike said the modernisation of Bendigo Senior Secondary College demonstrated the Government’s was committed to upgrading every school in Victoria.
“The renewal of Bendigo Senior Secondary College is proof that education is the number one priority for our Government,” Ms Pike said.
“Our $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan is the largest school building program in Victoria’s history and is transforming education infrastructure across the state.
“We agree with parents that nothing is more important than their children’s education, so we’re building better schools for our kids.”
Ms Allan said it was an exciting day for the Bendigo community.
“The modernisation of Bendigo Senior Secondary College is great news for families,” Ms Allan said. “But it’s not only about renewing education in the region – the construction of a TTC will also reinvigorate trade training.”
Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron said the project was a great partnership of 10 schools working to establish this $10 million Commonwealth-funded TTC.
“The new TTC will open its doors on the first day of school next year and will cater for students studying automotive, engineering, construction, furnishing and electro technology,” Mr Cameron said.