Aspire Schools

Aspire Schools was established by Leighton Contractors and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia with the seven school project being constructed by Broad Construction Services, a subsidiary of Leighton Contractors.

The South East Queensland Schools Project is a key initiative of the Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) to provide public education facilities in the rapidly growing South East Queensland Corridor.

The seven new schools (six primary and one secondary) will be delivered under Queensland’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

Under this framework, Aspire Schools is undertaking the financing, design, construction and maintenance of the schools for approximately 30 years while all core school and education services are provided by the DETE.

Construction started in 2009 with two schools opened in January 2010, three schools in January 2011 and the remaining two schools opened in January 2012. Second stages for each of the schools will be delivered progressively through to 2014.

Design and construction overview

Aspire Schools designs’ provide a balance between aesthetics, functionality and value for money, whilst recognising local land form and environment. Each campus design incorporates sustainability strategies matched with solutions that deliver high amenity.

All the schools are an example of the schools of the future for Queensland.  Their state-of-the-art facilities and innovative design features make a stimulating and conducive environment for learning.

All the schools are an example of the schools of the future for Queensland.  Their state-of-the-art facilities and innovative design features make a stimulating and conducive environment for learning.

Aspire Schools designs’ provide a balance between aesthetics, functionality and value for money, whilst recognising local land form and environment. Each campus design incorporates sustainability strategies matched with solutions that deliver high amenity.

The schools also represent the first wave of sustainable schools in Queensland, with the building designs achieving a four star Greenstar rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Some of the environmental design features include:

• Northern orientation of buildings to optimise winter heat and reduce summer sun.
• Inclusion of sun screens to allow passage of cooling breeze and filter out sun and glare.
• Harvesting of stormwater for irrigation and toilet amenities and
• Application of electrical monitoring technology to reduce energy use by pragmatic actions such as auto light and service shut down.

Facility management

Day to day operation and maintenance is being provided by Leighton Contractors Services Division Facility Management (FM) team. The FM team is responsible for the contract management and both hard and soft services management, ensuring smooth running of the schools on a day to day operational basis. A 24 hour FM Helpdesk is fully operational, fielding calls from both the schools and DETE,  recording and managing day to day issues and rectification of defects which may arise.

Awards

• 2009 Project Finance Magazine Asia Pacific PPP Deal of the Year.

For more information about the project, please visit www.aspireschools.com.au