Architect appointed for Ceres PS upgrade

AN ARCHITECT has been appointed to shape the look of the upgrades coming to Ceres Primary School.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman announced Ewers & Kelynack Pty Ltd – trading as Ed Ewers Architecture – would design the school’s new outdoor learning space.

Ceres Primary School received $200,000 from the state government through the seventh round of the Inclusive Schools Fund to build an inclusive outdoor learning space, including seating and sensory equipment.

With offices in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat, Ed Ewers Architecture has worked and is working on projects across Victoria and has also completed more than 50 projects interstate.

The architectural firm has designed several facilities at education institutions, including a sensory room at Ranfurly Primary School, a sensory space at Mooroduc Primary School and a “hacker space” at Victoria University.

“This new space will make a real difference to students at Ceres Primary School, who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning,” Mr Cheeseman said.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes $10 million for the Inclusive Schools Fund to help make schools more accessible and inclusive for young people with a disability and additional needs.

Since its inception in 2015, the fund has supported 308 primary, secondary and specialist schools to build inclusive indoor and outdoor learning spaces, as well as accessible playgrounds.

In the past seven years, the state government has put more than $10.9 billion towards building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating about 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The state government says it is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

“As we build the Education State, we’re continuing to invest in schools to ensure students of all abilities can access a great education – no matter their circumstances,” Mr Cheeseman said.