As the finishing touches are made, year 6 students are getting acquainted with the new building, having recently performed Back to the Beach at the Canberra Theatre Centre as part of the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Showcase.

Student Liam Sandison was hoping for less interruption during weekly band and clarinet practices.

“We used to have practice in the hall and when they had something on we would have to move to other classrooms, so this is really good,” he said.

The 120 square metre purpose-built facility took 10 weeks to build and creates a flexible space with high-set ceilings, acoustic panels and storage space to facilitate musical and performing arts activities.

No government funds were contributed, and the project was made possible through fund-raising from the Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) and contributions from local businesses.

“It’s a huge credit to the many parents and volunteers that have given up their weekends or evenings over the past two or more years to support fund-raising and make it all happen,” P&C president Bryce Wilson said.

School principal Christine Hunter said the building added to the school’s high-quality educational capability.

“We are a large school with 870 children so we were always shuffling the music classes and band practices out of the hall for sports or dance or assembly,” she said.

“This will be a dedicated space for performing arts through the school day but it can also be used after hours by community organisations to hold classes and rehearsals.”

Local licensed builder Ian Wholohan oversaw the build, which Mrs Hunter said may not have been realised without the support of many local companies that chipped in.

Village Building Company provided some financial support, topping up fund-raising efforts.

Holcim Australia at Fyshwick and Queanbeyan provided concrete, Brindabella Contractors offered cheaper rates for excavation and concreting works, together with support from Kennards Hire Queanbeyan.

“We are very grateful to all who helped,” Mrs Hunter said. “We hope the space will enable our children to develop performing arts talents and take them into their futures.”

While students are already enjoying the new facilities, an official opening ceremony is planned for the school fete on Saturday, October 26.