31 August, 2022
Massive upgrades coming to fruition
After years of planning, the concept plan for the over $10 million in upgrades for Clifton State High School has been completed, with construction set to commence by the end of the year.
Principal Lou Oberholzer has been heavily involved with the project, including extensive discussions and negotiations.
“I’m really proud of what’s going to happen,” he said.
Work is planned to commence at the end of 2022, with an estimated time for completion between Term 3, 2023 and the end of 2023.
The current plans, totalling $10.9 million, include:
Hall - $6 million
Equine and ag centre - $2.5 million
Bathrooms upgrade - $1.4 million
Disability lift for B Block and ramps to classrooms - $1 million
Mr Oberholzer said the concept plan for the hall includes a stage, canteen, gym, toilets and a storage room for chairs.
The hall can change between being used as a basketball court, netball court, two badminton courts or two volleyball courts.
Assemblies and other events will be supported by a modern PA system and AV room.
The hall will be built where the current undercover area/basketball court is.
Mr Oberholzer said the equine and ag centre concept plan includes replacing all the soil, resurfacing, building an undercover area for horses where they can be tacked up and building another shed.
The current shed will be upgraded with irrigation to help keep the soil moist.
The irrigation will be supported by additional water tanks at the school.
The whole area will be lifted 300mm in height to mitigate the effects of flooding, as was experienced earlier this year.
Mr Oberholzer said he had negotiated the hall and equine and ag centre funding up from $2.7 million and $1.4 million respectively.
He said the hall, six years in the making, will be a great asset to the community.
The bathrooms upgrade includes every bathroom block used by students and staff in the entire school.
The disability lift and ramp will assist current and future students, staff and community members access all parts of the school.
