Banmira Specialist School

Banmira Specialist School, formerly Verney Road School, is a dual-mode specialist educational facility supporting students from early education to Year 12.

Through our work on the Greater Shepparton Scoping Study, in which eight schools from the Greater Shepparton region were evaluated for their ability to support higher-needs students, it was evident that Banmira Specialist School had significantly outgrown its current campus. This was due to increasing population pressure and demand for educational opportunities.

A feasibility study was conducted to assess the merits of refurbishing the existing building versus relocating elsewhere. Whilst refurbishing the existing campus was carefully considered, the nearby former Wanganui Park Secondary College site was sitting vacant and could readily accommodate the projected school numbers.

It was determined that a full modernisation of the 1970s Wanganui campus would be undertaken in two stages, for the junior and senior campuses.

Stage 1 transformed the southern buildings into a new Junior Campus, retaining existing structures but reconfiguring interiors for light, connectivity, and flexibility. General learning spaces link to resource-intensive libraries, kitchenettes, accessible bathrooms, and external courtyards. Central hexagon buildings offer specialist spaces for the Arts, Fitness, and Life Skills, while a Parents and Community Hub fosters strong support networks.

A new administration building, refreshed landscaping, and purpose-built Early Education Unit complete the masterplan. Extensive nature-play areas at the heart of the campus support student wellbeing, creating an inclusive, future-ready learning environment.