As part of the Victorian Budget announcements for 2013-14, Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said more than $41 million would be allocated for improving regional education, including $8 million for stage two construction of new learning spaces at Phoenix P-12 Community College.

The college received $10 million in previous budget announcements, which has funded the construction of two “learning villages” and a science centre.

Principal Scott Dellar said the funding announced yesterday was “sensational” and would ensure two more villages would be constructed.

“This means that every student, by the start of 2015, will be in the latest and best possible learning environment at our school,” he said.

“This will really put us in an incredible place, for making sure our kids have the best of the best.”

Mr Dellar said the learning villages could also double as community spaces, allowing groups and organisations access to the latest facilities every night of the week.

“On the Monday night it’s the Rotary space, on Tuesday night it’s a scout hall and on Wednesday night it’s the book club,” he said.

“They’ll be available for people at low cost ... rather than keeping old facilities that are hard to keep warm or don’t have the latest technology, they’ll be able to use these.

“It will allow us to operate a 24/7 community space.”

Mr Dellar said further expansion and building projects included a new administration area, canteen facilities and ongoing upgrades to the former Redan Primary School campus.

jordan.oliver@fairfaxmedia.com.au