A BRAND new $22.9 million Performing Arts Centre was opened at Ripley Valley State Secondary College last week.
The new building will provide students with state-of-the-art facilities to explore and develop their artistic skills.
The new two-storey facility includes a range of spaces for performance and training, including a theatre, multiple practice rooms and studios for acting and dance.
The centre also includes drama and music learning areas, a multi-media classroom, amenities, change rooms, storage areas for instruments and costumes, a kiosk and foyer, and will be used by community groups.
In addition to the opening, the school also celebrated some major building work that has improved J Block – the school’s science building.
State Member for Bundamba and Minister for Employment, Small Business and Training Lance McCallum said he was proud to help deliver the new facility and that it would deliver long into the future.
“It means our local students have access to state-of-the-art facilities to help them excel towards their goals and the futures they want,” he said.
“We know that when we give our young people the opportunities and resources to learn and grow, they achieve great things.
Principal Brendan Krueger said: “Our new performing arts centre is an amazing addition to our college – it’s an incredible building and everyone here is very excited to have such a facility in Ripley Valley.
“This facility will not only benefit the college, it will also benefit a range of community groups and organisations.”
The centre is already being regularly used by a local dance company, athletics club and church, with a number of other organisations planning to use it in the weeks and months to come.
“Our new performing arts centre is another valuable asset for our growing college community,” Mr Krueger said.
“We are also very happy to celebrate the work that has occurred in J block to provide specialist learning areas in the fields of science, health, design, and technology.
“Again, these learning spaces are being utilised by both our school and local community to enhance our connection with real-world learning in high-growth industries.”
