REDEVELOPMENT of land that takes in its decommissioned indoor pool is under discussion as part of Wangaratta Primary Schools draft master plan. The school presented its plans to Education Minister James Merlino during his visit to Wangaratta on Tuesday, taking him on a tour of its current facilities. Principal Steve Murphy highlighted the potential of the vacant indoor pool space to develop a multi-purpose sports and performing arts centre. Mr Murphy said this would not only free up learning spaces in the schools heritage building, but also provide a much needed allweather sports facility which could be used by the community after hours. Rural City of Wangaratta director community wellbeing, Jaime Carroll, was also at the school on Tuesday, to explain the fortuitous timing of the master plan, which fits with councils own CBD master plan aimed at activating unused spaces in Wangarattas centre. The school has been really pro-active in highlighting this opportunity, and it is testament to how the community can work together, Ms Carroll said. We have a real need for indoor sports facilities, and we want the CBD to be active, so from a location perspective, a single court facility here would be a good fit. She said multi-purpose spaces were the best way to attract funding, but also represented responsible use of the citys space. Mr Murphy said the school was currently enjoying a growth in student numbers. Prep enrolments are up from an average of 21 a few years ago to over 30 each year, with 31 preps already registered for next year. Mr Murphy said this growth placed some pressure on current facilities, and additional learning spaces would be needed in coming years. We have had a PE class running in the music room, which is not ideal, he said. He said one challenge for the master plan had been to find ways for the schools heritage building to better support 21st century teaching and learning. The proposed sports and performing arts centre would potentially offer a new home for the schools music program, and offer undercover locations for sports and activities to a variety of Wangaratta groups out of school hours, while making the main building available for other learning activities. He said the proposed facility provided a chance for the school to offer something back to the community. Our unique location, positioned on the edge of the CBD, makes our school an ideal site for a shared community facility, Mr Murphy said. Our children can use the facility to perform and play during the day, and then the Wangaratta community could use it after hours, on weekends, and during school holidays. Ms Carroll said council would support the proposal from a strategic perspective and wherever we can, while Minister Merlino encouraged the school and council to keep him informed, via Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) regarding the progress of the project and funding requirements.