Tennis Courts Redevelopment

A new science and learning building for St Patrick’s College

St Patrick’s College is planning to upgrade its school facilities to create contemporary learning spaces that inspire students and teachers alike.  A new science and learning building will be located at the current tennis courts at the heart of the College.

Works proposed include:

• Demolition of the existing tennis courts located at the centre of the campus
• Construction of a new four storey science and learning building consisting of:
• Food tech classrooms
• Canteen and café
• College dining area, including outdoor dining area
• Science learning spaces, including labs
• Flexible community and learning spaces
• Flexible general learning areas
• Two rooftop tennis courts
• Re-instatement of two ground-level tennis courts.
• Associated basement car park (with an additional 60 spaces), accessed via Fraser Street
• New civic space associated with the College, located to the east of the new building
• Minor alterations to the adjoining forecourt and internal space within the adjoining Coghlan building to the east in order to provide an appropriate interface and connection with this newly created space and science and learning building.

Sustainable growth

Almost 750,000 school-aged children called Sydney home in 2017. By 2036 the number of students is expected to grow by 273,000 or 36%. The non-government school sector in Sydney will experience an increase of roughly 110,000 students by 2036.

To meet the needs of the growing community in the coming years, St Patrick’s College is seeking to increase its student population by a total of 354 across an eight-year period. 

The College has an existing student cap of 1,436 students and is seeking to increase this in a staged way to 1,790 by 2030. 

Anticipated Timeframes

• A State Significant Planning Application (SSDA) will be lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) in mid-2020.
• The SSDA is anticipated to be on public exhibition with the Department in mid-2020.
• A determination is anticipated in late 2020 – early 2021.
• Pending approval, St Patrick’s College anticipates construction will take approximately 18 months with new facilities open for operation by June 2022.

Managing construction impacts

Construction impacts will be minimised as much as possible for students of St Patrick’s College as a staged approach is planned for implementation.

Any potential noise and vibration impacts will be managed in accordance with mitigation strategies outlined in a Construction and Operational Noise Report, completed as part of the planning process. 

Traffic and parking

St Patrick’s College has developed a traffic and parking management plan that supports its proposal. The College is exploring several designs to minimise the impacts of traffic for surrounding neighbours and communities. The College will also consider staggering drop-off and pick-up times for the Junior School (Years 5-6) and Senior School (Years 7-12).

St Patrick’s College will ensure the College is able to cater for the required parking facilities for all staff. At present the College has 102 car parking spaces and the new plans will add an additional 60 car parks in the basement of the new science and learning building.  The new car parking facilities will reduce pressure on surrounding local streets.

St Patrick’s College will be launching a green travel plan to promote and educate parents and students on more sustainable modes of transport.

YOUR FEEDBACK 

Urbis Engagement, a community engagement company, is collecting feedback. You can contact the Urbis Engagement team at any time on 1800 244 863 or email engagement@urbis.com.au for further information or to share your ideas.