Garran Primary School, once the heart of the Woden town centre before it even existed, has undergone a significant transformation. Originally designed by architect Roger Pegrum in 1965, the school was more than just an educational institution; it was a community hub. This week, 60 years later, the first stage of a new $107.85 million expansion and modernization project has opened, marking a new era for the school.
The project includes new classrooms, junior and senior libraries, a dedicated science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM) laboratory, and the first rooftop garden in any ACT public school. “This is a school built for the future of Woden,” ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry announced, highlighting the modern, inclusive, and sustainable learning spaces designed in collaboration with the school community.
The Evolution of Garran Primary
Back in 1965, Garran Primary was the only building in the suburb, a multifunctional space with rooms for a doctor and dentist, reflecting its role as a community center. “It was a lot more than a school. It was part of a community,” Pegrum recalls. The school’s original design included a central courtyard, a feature that remains today, offering a garden space for students to explore.
The new development aims to retain the spirit of the original design while expanding its capacity. By late 2026, the next stage will add a double gymnasium, new canteen, music and drama spaces, outdoor play areas, hard courts, further landscaping, and 80 additional parking spaces, including EV charging. The school will eventually accommodate up to 975 students, a significant increase from its current capacity of 600.
Addressing Growing Needs
The expansion comes in response to a planning report published in November 2022, which highlighted the need for increased student capacity in the Woden Valley. The report noted that by 2024, four of the seven schools in the area would exceed optimal capacity, with Garran Primary already operating at a 95% utilization rate.
“By 2024, four of the seven schools in the Woden Valley will exceed the optimal capacity utilization of 85 per cent, with two exceeding their capacity by 2028,” the report reads.
Additionally, the presence of hazardous materials, including lead-based paint and asbestos, necessitated the replacement of existing infrastructure rather than refurbishment.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing Change
Despite the modernization, elements of Pegrum’s original design have been preserved. The central courtyard remains a key feature, and Canberra red bricks from a demolished building have been incorporated into the new hall. Eilish McNab from the local architecture firm Hayball, who designed the new school, was inspired by Pegrum’s work.
“Garran Primary is really well loved by staff and students – it’s really iconic,” McNab says. “The idea was to keep that central heart of the school so students could meet together as well as learn.”
The redevelopment is part of an $800 million package of improvements across ACT’s public schools over the next three years. Minister Berry acknowledged the growing demand for similar upgrades, particularly in areas like Woden, which is experiencing higher density and new developments, including a new hospital.
“Everybody will want a school like this, and I absolutely understand that … We can’t do every school upgrade or build new schools at once, but we’re certainly working with our school communities … to make sure these schools are fit for purpose,” Berry stated.
As Garran Primary School steps into its future, it continues to honor its past, serving as a testament to the evolving needs of its community while maintaining its foundational role as a place of learning and gathering.
