As part of the broader Footscray Learning Precinct, Footscray City Primary school contributes to a vision of seamless, lifelong education—connecting early learning, primary, secondary, and adult education within an integrated framework. The precinct fosters excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring accessibility and continuity for the Footscray community.

Following the successful delivery of the Billy Button Children’s Centre on the adjacent site, the Stage 2 modernisation and upgrade of Footscray City Primary School was undertaken to enhance educational facilities and create a dynamic, collaborative learning environment. This included the refurbishment of existing buildings, improved accessibility with the addition of lifts, and the creation of contemporary learning communities for Years 1–6. Purpose-built STEM, art, and music spaces were introduced, alongside new administration, staff, and wellbeing facilities.

The design focused primarily on internal upgrades, while retaining the majority of the external building fabric. The use of alternative design strategies such as colour and texture assisted to delineate spatial purpose, breaking down the larger collaborative learning neighbourhood into clear functions. Particularly for neuro-diverse students, who often struggle to understand traditional spatial cues, students are now able to find spaces to meet their learning or wellbeing needs, without feeling lost in the larger space. This is supported through the integration of wellbeing spaces amongst classrooms, and through dedicated wellbeing/allied health consulting rooms adjacent to the new building entry.

The design prioritises flexibility and inclusivity, integrating a variety of learning spaces—from open, collaborative areas to traditional classrooms and smaller breakout zones. Wellbeing was a key focus, with dedicated spaces incorporated both within classrooms and through new allied health consulting rooms at the school’s entrance, allowing visiting health professionals to support student needs.

Perkins Architects designed learning environments that embed STEM education within each cohort, with resource-intensive shared spaces connecting multiple classrooms. These spaces, equipped with wet areas and adaptable layouts, support team teaching, student-led investigations, and hands-on research projects.

This modernisation ensures that Footscray City Primary School is not only a contemporary educational facility but also an integral part of the wider Footscray Learning Precinct, supporting students at every stage of their education journey.