Devonport Indie School
Fairbrother is proud to partner with Indie School Australia to deliver a cutting-edge educational facility in Devonport, Tasmania. This new three-storey building marks a significant expansion for the school, which provides flexible and individualised learning opportunities for students who may not thrive in traditional educational settings.
The Indie School’s new campus has been designed with versatility and student well-being in mind.
“This project is about creating a supportive environment for young people facing unique challenges,” said Brad Symmons, Fairbrother’s Divisional Manager – North West Tasmania. “The spaces are designed to be flexible, open, and adaptable, ensuring the school can meet a variety of student needs.”
Key features of the development include home economics facilities, flexible learning spaces, and an outdoor rooftop terrace. The ground floor will house a state-of-the-art kitchen, along with classrooms and staff reception areas. Meanwhile, upper levels will feature multipurpose open-plan areas, breakout spaces, and offices. The dedicated rooftop terrace will provide an outdoor learning environment, enhancing student engagement and promoting creativity.
The building has also been designed to future-proof the school’s operations. Level two includes an open-plan area that can be customised for training sessions, seminars, or future expansions.
“We wanted to give Indie School a facility that can grow with them,” said Brad. “This project isn’t just about meeting today’s needs—it’s about ensuring they’re equipped for the future.”
Located just 50 meters from the school’s current campus in the old Devonport Library, the new facility is expected to transform Indie School’s ability to deliver education. Construction began in October 2024, with demolition of part of the existing library site clearing the way for the build. A 14-month timeline will see the project completed by February 2026.
The design incorporates a mix of contemporary materials, including precast face brick and exposed raw concrete, combined with natural timber elements for a warm and inviting aesthetic. This combination reflects the school’s ethos of fostering openness and resilience in its students.
“This is more than just a building—it’s a space that symbolises new opportunities,” said Brad. “We’re excited to contribute to a project that has such a positive impact on the community.”
Fairbrother’s expertise in design and construction has been integral to the project’s success. Working closely with NH Architecture and the Devonport City Council, the team translated a conceptual design into a detailed, functional plan. The collaborative process ensured the final structure aligns with both the school’s mission and the community’s expectations.
Indie School’s new campus is set to become a cornerstone of Devonport’s educational landscape, providing a safe, innovative, and inspiring environment for students and staff alike.