In brief:

• Garran Primary School is receiving a major upgrade.
• The original architect has visited the school and reflected on its beginnings.

Garran Primary School first opened in 1967 and has been central to the local community for over 50 years.

Today, it continues to thrive as a major upgrade takes place.

Original architect Roger Pegrum visited the site ahead of the original school’s demolition and reflected on his work.

Imagining a school

The suburb of Garran was gazetted in 1966. Construction began on the school in 1965, making it one of the first things built in the area.

As a young architect, Roger approached the school’s design by considering how children would feel in the space.

‘When I went to school, the windows were opaque so you couldn’t see through them. You don’t want to be inside most of the day and not be able to see outside,’ he said.

‘You’re not just designing a building; you’re designing a space where students are happy to be.’

Construction was finished in time for students to attend their new school in 1967.

In its first year, 153 students learned in eight classrooms. The school also had a library, craft and sewing rooms and a school hall. Not to mention the doctor’s and dentist’s surgeries.

The Garran Primary School expansion and modernisation

The school is expanding to support growing enrolments in Woden.

It will be a modern, inclusive space which retains the school’s spirit. It will also offer facilities the community can access.

Construction is happening in two stages.

• Stage 1 finished in November 2025. This delivered brand-new buildings with modern learning spaces and upgraded facilities. Students and staff moved into the new buildings during Term 4, 2025.
• Stage 2 has begun and involves demolishing the old buildings and building a new double gymnasium and outdoor areas.

Once complete, the school will have capacity for 975 students from preschool to year 6.

Looking forward, looking back

Roger attended the official opening of the new buildings and met the design team. He also gifted several of his books to the school library.

The books share stories about Canberra’s history, including that of Garran Primary School.

They will be used as learning resources for students, to help them understand the school’s beginnings, as well as the region’s.

Stage 2 of the Garran Primary School expansion and modernisation project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

^{The school in March 1967.}

^{Roger donated some history books to the school's library.}

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