The former Wanganui Secondary College has been confirmed as the site for the development of a new Verney Rd School.
The Victorian Government had already earmarked $23.8 million for the project in the 2021/22 budget.
Treasurer Tim Pallas visited the school on Wednesday to confirm that it would relocate to the vacant Wanganui site.
“Kids with special needs deserve access to the same opportunities as every other student — with a new campus for Verney Rd School, and upgrades to every special school across the state, we’re making sure that’s happening,” Mr Pallas said.
The new school will have more learning, recreation and play space for students.
Mr Pallas said what would be kept of the current buildings was an ongoing discussion for the Department of Education and the school community.
“We expect that that almost $24 million will be able to provide a complete facility for educational purposes, but there will be choices that will have to be made along the way,” he said.
The future of the current Verney Rd site is also to be decided but principal Angela Buxton said the new school would provide greater opportunity.
“We’ve really outgrown this site, it will be a huge opportunity for pathways for students,” she said.
“In the last couple of years, our enrolments have really increased, so it's become very obvious over the last few years. We have a very clear vision of how we want to develop that site and we’re working very closely with the architects; we want to see opportunities that we don't have here.”
The announcement fulfils a promise made when Greater Shepparton Secondary College was formed to retain Wanganui for education purposes.
Perkins Architects has been appointed to design the new school, with a builder expected to be appointed and start works next year, with the school open and ready for students in 2026.
Independent Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed said the project would provide greater access and opportunities for students.
“The current site has been overcrowded for a long time, with limited play and sporting opportunities,” she said.
“This move to Wanganui will provide all these young people with the space and facilities they need to continue their education, growth and development.”