Coffs Harbour Christian Community School reveals Bonville expansion

A Coffs Coast school has unveiled its $14 million plan to construct 37 new class rooms, a library, basketball court and even a skate park.

A Coffs Coast school is embarking on a major expansion with a $14 million redevelopment in the heart of Bonville.

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School has lodged an application to build three new schools in an education campus on Bonville Station Road.

If approved, junior, middle and special education schools would be built right next door to the school’s current campus which houses high and middle school students.

The school already operates a junior school (Kindergarten to Year 5) in Coffs Harbour and a primary school in Sherwood Cliffs, with a total 2020 student population across all campuses of 886 students.

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School has lodged plans for a $14 million development of a new school campus in Bonville. Image: DRA Architects

According to the development application submitted to Coffs Harbour City Council, the existing campus at Bonville has become overcrowded and has a “significant” waiting list.

The expansion would allow for an extra 210 students.

In addition to extensive landscaping works, a basketball court, mini soccer pitch and skating facilities are also planned.

The work represents a $14 million capital investment which is estimated to create up to 80 construction jobs.

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School has cited overcrowding and a long waiting as reasons for the expansion which will occur next door to their current facility on Bonville Station Road. Image: DRA Architects

Planned over six stages, the development includes 37 classrooms as well as new administration offices, library, canteen and covered outdoor learning areas.

However, documents lodged with council state several parts of the development, including two extra junior and middle school buildings, are not part of the school’s medium term planning and may never eventuate.

Construction of the special education school of 30 students will depend on access to government funding, according to the application.

The investment follows another major redevelopment at St John Paul College in Coffs Harbour.

The new campus will include several new student buildings, a library, administration offices canteen and covered outdoor learning areas. Image: DRA Architects

Part of works that could cost in the vicinity of $13 million, the Catholic school has invested heavily in a state of the art library and learning space, new buildings, new hockey fields and a refurbished staffroom.

In June, principal Michael Carniato said the capital works program would “future proof” the school for years to come and the breathtaking library was the type of building students in regional areas deserved.

“I don’t want our families to be disadvantaged by being in a regional areas, they deserve the very best,” Mr Carniato said.