Crothers to upgrade Geraldton school

The state government has awarded Crothers Construction a $15.7 million contract to upgrade John Willcock College in Geraldton, which will be providing education for more year groups from 2019.

The school upgrade includes construction of a new arts facility and medical centre, upgrades to design and technology facilities, and new staff areas, change rooms, toilets and a cafeteria.

The project was announced by the former Liberal government in early 2016 at a cost of $20 million, which when completed would allow the school to cater for students from years seven through to 12 from 2019.

Former education minister Peter Collier said at the time of the announcement that the decision to upgrade the school followed community consultation in 2015, at which point it became clear parents wanted a continuous secondary education for their children, rather than having to separate middle and senior schools.

The former government had also initiated similar plans for Geraldton Senior Collage, at a smaller upgrade cost of $5 million.

The decision to upgrade both schools separately came after plans to combine both campuses to form a ‘super school’ were rejected by the community.