St Luke's arts centre work starts

Construction of the $4.8 million upgrade to the St Luke's College performing arts centre has started, with the school holding a sod- turning ceremony last week.

The extension will enable an expansion of the arts curriculum offered at the secondary school as well as provide a space for community events and theatre productions.

Once complete, the centre will boast new dressing rooms, a rehearsal space, digital photography lab and astronomy centre, plus a much-needed fire water service system upgrade.

St Luke's College principal Alanna Otway said the project was exciting for the school and the wider Karratha community.

"The performing arts centre offers a new range of facilities not previously available and we are really pleased to see it under way," she said.

"With project completion due mid-year, we are focusing on the continued expansion of our arts, science and technology curriculums.

"Facilities such as these in our region mean that we can be confident in offering educational outcomes which are comparable to Perth schools."

Pilbara Development Commission acting chief executive Terry Hill said the new centre would improve career and study opportunities for students.

"Quality education is a core component of developing liveable cities and is a key focus of the Pilbara Regional Investment Blueprint," he said.

"Offering diversity and choice in a state-of-the-art facility will encourage students and their families to stay in the region to complete their studies."

The construction tender was awarded to Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets, with construction scheduled for completion at the end of June.

The upgrade is funded by the Pilbara Development Commission through the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities program.