Former Macquarie Boys High School site set to make way for 2500 new homes

An abandoned school described as one of the largest parcels of undeveloped land in Sydney, could make way for a massive new housing development in a bid to ease the housing crisis.

A former “tough” old boys school whose ex-pupils include Ray Hadley and ex-Labor minister David Borger will be razed to make way for 2,500 homes, ending a decade-long battle over its future.

Described as one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land in Sydney, the 19.4-hectare Rydalmere site was once home to Macquarie Boys High School and a residential care facility for people with profound disability.

Despite the school closing in 2009, the site has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo with the Education Department and Department of Communities and Justice unable to agree on its future.

A former abandoned boys schools will make way for a major housing development in Rydalmere. Picture: Supplied

The abandoned site has been targeted by arsonists and vandals with authorities having to bulldoze many of buildings.

With Sydney in the grip of a housing shortage, the Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) seized the land after it was identified as a potential major housing site during the State-wide Crown land audit.

Ray Hadley was once a student at the school. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger is a former student of the school. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The agency will now seek to secure a development partner in order to begin delivering homes from 2028.

Located on the corners of Victoria Rd, James Ruse Drive and Kissing Point Rd, the site is close to rail, schools, health facilities and the Parramatta CBD.

Pending approval, the final development will include a diverse mix of housing, open space,

accessible bushland alongside Vineyard Creek, commercial and retail space, and a

new internal road network.

The 19.4 hectare site is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land in Sydney Picture: Supplied

The former residential care facility has long been earmarked for divestment, with the new development to recognise the site’s past role as a disability institution by including accessible housing.

The land will be redeveloped as part of the government’s as part of the government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program to deliver 30,000 homes across the state.

Radio broadcaster Ray Hadley and Business Western Sydney director David Borger fomer Macquarie Boys High School student Picture: Supplied

Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper said it was time a decision was made about the long-vacant site

“The Rydalmere site has been sitting vacant and unused for more than a decade,” he said.

“We want to build better communities.

“Rydalmere will be a connected community with access to extended Parramatta Light Rail network, schools, sporting facilities and all within easy reach of the Parramatta CBD and Westmead health and innovation precinct.”

Steve Kamper, Minister for Lands and Property said it was time to develop the site. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Borger, who is the Business Western Sydney executive director, said he was happy to see the school site turned into much-needed housing.

The former student, who recalled the school having a “tougher” element, said he had been part of a group called the “willow boys” – so-named after the willow tree the group used to sit under.

“It was a hard scrabble when I was there – there was a tougher element within the school,” Mr Borger said.

“It is in a great location for housing – near the Parramatta Light Rail, and the university. It is a great decision.”

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