BRIGHTON High School is two shovels closer to being built, with construction officially starting last week. The biggest public education infrastructure project in a decade, Brighton High School is a $74 million investment.

Brighton is projected to be one of the faster growing communities over the next 20 years, meaning demand for education facilities is strong.

Education Minister Roger Jaensch, who joined Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray in turning the first sod, said community and stakeholder consultation had helped shape development of the new high school. It will accommodate up to 600 students and include a multi-purpose hall, performing arts space, and gymnasium.

“It was an honour to visit the site and turn the first sod of what will be a state-of-the-art, modern learning facility for this region,’’ Mr Jaensch said.

Located at 1 Elderslie Road, Brighton, the new high school was designed by JAWS Architects and the project team has been working closely with the Brighton Council. In December, the primary feeder schools were confirmed, with students from Bagdad, Brighton and Kempton Primary Schools to transition to Brighton High School for their secondary and senior secondary learning from 2025.

“The new high school is part of the Government’s record investment in new education infrastructure for the Brighton community, with the $4.3 million redevelopment of the Jordan River School Farm also completed in 2022,” Mr Jaensch said.

Mr Gray said Brighton had been lobbying for the school for many years and it was great to see it becoming a reality. “We are thrilled to be able to work with the Government to assist this wonderful project and to coordinate our own strategy and works for the precinct surrounding the new high school,’’ Mr Gray said.

“We look forward to welcoming students into the new facility in a few years’ time and making our municipality a great place, live, work, play and learn.’’