Breaking ground on old Wanganui site

By Taylah Baker

Dec 4, 2023

**Construction zone:** The former Wanganui Park Secondary College site is undergoing significant reconstruction to accommodate a new school. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Victorian Department of Education has provided an update on a new school site in Shepparton.

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The site, formerly Wanganui Park Secondary College, was announced as the new home for Shepparton’s Verney Rd School in July 2022, with more learning, recreation and play space for students than its current campus.

However, significant upgrades of the Parkside Dve campus must happen before the relocation begins.

Recently, The News has noticed that major works have commenced.

Department of Education senior communication adviser Richard Bryce shared some information about the current process.

“It is a total reconstruction of the school,” he said.

“However, the slab, steelwork and some brickwork have been incorporated into the design and are being retained.”

The Victorian Government committed to maintaining two previous secondary campuses in Shepparton — Wanganui Park and McGuire College — for educational purposes.

Issues that have emerged since then have been addressed to ensure this promise is kept.

“The old buildings were run down and contained asbestos,” Mr Bryce said.

“The site has now been cleared of asbestos for the safety of incoming students.”

The government stated in July 2022 that students would be on-site in 2026.

As of Thursday, November 30, Mr Bryce revealed this time frame has reduced significantly.

“The timelines are better than initially anticipated,” he said.

“Reconstruction is now set to be completed by the end of 2024 with Verney Rd students on-site in 2025.”