PROJECT TEAM AT BELMONT NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL IMPROVES FUNCTIONALITY OF THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WITH REFURBISHED CLASSROOMS
Belmont North Public School Captains Ashley Plooy and Jack Fisher, and Vice Captains Francis Mendoza and Lauren Vanderclay, welcomed Federal Member for Shortland, Jill Hall MP, and State Member for Swansea, Robert Coombs MP, yesterday to inspect progress of works on their school’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) project. Students and staff are expected to enjoy their enhanced learning environment during Term 2, 2010.
Local Newcastle contractor RTC Commercial and Andrews Neil Urban Design Group, Gosford, are supporting Bovis Lend Lease to deliver the project.
Bovis Lend Lease General Manager – NSW Education Greg McCourt said the BER program is having a positive impact on employment throughout the Hunter and Central Coast region.
“We are pleased to be working with passionate local builders to deliver this important educational infrastructure which will benefit students, teachers and the broader community for decades to come.”
RTC Commercial Director Michael Rigby said that works are progressing on time and within budget. “We are proud to part of the BER program and assisting our local community through the stimulus package at work. It is great to see an outcome where not only the construction industry benefits but the wider school community and Hunter area benefits too.”
The Belmont North Public school has had four classrooms refurbished with several main walls being removed to provide three larger classrooms. Works include the creation of three practical activities areas for students with the installation of sinks on a newly enclosed verandah; new storage areas for all classrooms; new carpet and fresh paint throughout the classrooms and new vinyl on the verandah. A small stage has also been constructed under the school’s existing covered outdoor learning area to be used for school assemblies.
Students and staff are looking forward to occupying their refreshed facilities. School Principal Denise Rispen said: "The refurbishment of classrooms through the BER program has improved the functionality of many work spaces across the school for students and staff."
"The project team has been very cooperative and supportive. I've found that they have always been willing to fit in with the school environment to make sure the project flows smoothly."
The $850,000 BER project at Belmont North Public School commenced in mid-February 2010.
