North Metropolitan Regional Executive Director Jim Webb said a community workshop was planned for later this month to discuss with stakeholders what should be retained and incorporated into the new building.

“I know there’s a great deal of community interest in this project,” Mr Webb said.

“What happened to Mount Lawley Primary School was tragic and it’s unfortunate we’re in this position.

“I can assure everyone that we will build a tremendous facility that is in harmony with the feel of the local community and meet current education requirements. We are aiming to have a new facility available by 2014.

“Our preference is to retain some of the original elements of the old school, and we are working extremely closely with key stakeholders to determine exactly what can be incorporated and what will fit in nicely with the new school.

He said architects had been asked to include the school’s historical elements into the new design such as the window form and brick detailing.

“Right from the beginning, we’ve worked very closely with key members of the community through a strong consultative approach.”