The rebuilding of historic Eringa at Kapunda High School was the subject of a Public Works Committee report tabled in State Parliament last Wednesday.
Representing the community of Kapunda and broader districts, Member for Frome, Ms Penny Pratt MP, provided a brief statement to those present, commending the restoration efforts that have already been made to the fire-affected building and the remarkable ethos of the school.
Within the report, details of the proposed redevelopment of fire-affected facilities are outlined – including the complete restoration of the state heritage listed building and the replacement of a transportable building with provisions for a staff room area and amenities.
The combined project has been estimated to cost $21 million and will aim to reinstate the building to its original external form and be as close as possible to its pre-existing construction and condition, whilst representing contemporary educational requirements.
Excitingly, a new building, referred to as Building C, will also be constructed and deemed a priority project.
The new building C will be made up of three new general learning areas and a new art room, alongside a learning street or a breakout area which provides additional support for the students, a teacher preparation area and extra toilets.
Other key features of the rebuild will include the adoption of ecologically sustainable designs, such as allowing for natural light in learning spaces, shading of windows, increased access to preferred solar orientation and natural breezes, and the use of vegetation to create cool air.
Discussing the rebuild at the Public Works Committee meeting last week, Grieve Gillett Architects Associate Director, Nicole Dent said, “In terms of the time line, once there’s approval from the committee, we are seeking to go out to tender in February and commence tender in February.
“We are hoping to then be able to appoint a builder in March so that construction can commence in April,” she said.
“Building C is on the critical path to be able to provide additional accommodation for the school, so that will be intended to be completed by the end of this year.
“Eringa, as you can appreciate, will take some time to restore, and so the intention is for September 2025 completion.”
Speaking to The Leader, Kapunda High School Principal David Marino said the school is looking forward to commencing the rebuilding process of both historical Eringa and Building C.
“We’re very much looking forward to when it’s all completed and also the upcoming opportunities for students in our school as well,” Mr Marino said.
“There’s been really strong community support and interest in our school and the rebuild since day one, so it’ll be great to see the buildings progress and have our students be involved in that process in different ways.”
More specifically, the VET Heritage Trade Skills program will be an unprecedented opportunity for students to collaborate in the restoration whilst learning valuable skills, applicable to life outside of school.
“Students are gaining some great skills and experiences through the Heritage Trade Skills program,” David said.
“It’s great that they get to be involved in the story and learn a skill which they otherwise might not have been able to, if it hadn’t been for the fire.”
Excitingly, these students will also gain experience restoring four historical doors from the Eringa building, which were kindly donated back to the school by Phillip and Jean Holmes, after being sold during an upgrade many years ago.
