THE architects behind the Epsom Primary School upgrade have won a statewide award for the school project, beating a range of firms from Melbourne.
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Bendigo-based E+ Architecture won the Best School Project under $5 million at the Victorian School Builders Awards last week.
Director Lucas Hodgens said it was a challenging project, given the school needed to continue operating while the build took place, but the award was recognition that the best possible outcome had been achieved.
“For it to win an award, and not just for primary schools but for all schools including projects at secondary schools, is recognition of the work that went into designing this school,” he said.
“It’s recognition from the government and ministers – they understood the complexity.
“Fundamentally our focus was best value for money for the school.”
The school works were complete earlier this year.
E+ was picked to design the project after being shortlisted with other firms. A project control group was established, including teachers, school council representatives and the School Building Authority.
The plans were presented to the school community at a forum, attended by City of Greater Bendigo councillors.
The school was also constructed by a Bendigo-based company – Searle Brothers. Additional land was also released to the school.
Epsom Primary School was one of nine recent school projects in Bendigo to be designed by E+. Others include Kalianna, Spring Gully Primary School, St Liborius, St Therese’s, Quarry Hill, Eaglehawk, Girton Grammar and Catherine McAuley College.
Mr Hodgens said it was pleasing to see local companies having a strong involvement in school builds in Bendigo.
“It’s fantastic for education in Bendigo to see so many schools being upgraded,” he said.
“With 18 staff, we’ve been able to complete world class work in our own town.”
The demolition of the 1881 red brick building at the Epsom Primary School caused divisions between the state government and City of Greater Bendigo.
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