‘Castle on the hill’ receives $10m for restoration after safety concerns

One of the state’s most sought-after secondary schools will receive $10 million in government funding after years of neglect led to a staff revolt over “extreme” safety concerns.

Melbourne High School will use the funds to address urgent defects at its iconic T Building – a century-old heritage-listed structure known affectionately as “the castle on the hill”.

An architect has been appointed to scope and cost rectification of the building, which is expected to require major works in future years.

A contractor will also be appointed to undertake maintenance works on the electrical and fire safety systems in the selective school’s N Building, with most work expected to take place during the summer holidays.

From next year, students and staff will shift into 18 portable buildings on the school’s hockey pitch while the T Building is unavailable.

Site works have already begun in preparation for the portables, which will include seven double-storey classrooms.

In a letter to parents, acting principal Tom Cain said the funding would support further investigations into the school’s maintenance needs, especially in the T and N buildings.

“At this stage, the full program of works and the timeframe for returning to the T Building are not confirmed. We will continue sharing updates with our community as information becomes available.”

Cain was shifted from principal at Port Melbourne Primary School in term four after former Melbourne High principal Tony Mordini abruptly quit.

The acting principal said that while there might be some changes to parts of the school site during this period, Melbourne High did not expect disruption to “the continuity of teaching and learning programs”.

Cain also said the school’s co-curricular programs were not expected to be affected.

“Our priority is to ensure learning continues with as little disruption as possible,” he said.

The school would hold an online community forum to answer questions from parents and students about the upcoming works and arrangements for the school during this period, Cain said.