Plans for Matthew Pearce, Castle Hill public schools advance

Students in Sydney’s northwest are ready to dump their demountables and welcome multimillion-dollar upgrades. Take a look at the plans for almost 3000 youngsters.

An artist’s impression of Castle Hill Public School's overhaul.

Primary schools struggling to accommodate students in The Hills are closer to transforming with redevelopments worth almost $56m dollars closer to final approval from the State Government.

Matthew Pearce Public School at Baulkham Hills will replace its existing classrooms with a $25.6m three-storey block at the Astoria Park Rd site.

The building will comprise of 24 learning spaces and three support learning units to cater for 1200 students.

The redevelopment is not expected to fall short of catering for the 1388 students because School Infrastructure NSW forecasts that the opening of Bella Vista Public School will relieve demand on Matthew Pearce.

Its existing facilities cater for 720 pupils, many of whom are being squeezed into 30 demountables.

Artist impressions of Matthew Pearce Public School at Baulkham Hills, where students numbers are expected to drop.

At Castle Hill Public School, a three-storey block with 36 learning spaces, a hall with a canteen, a covered outdoor learning area, trees, ramps and paths are also earmarked.

There are 19 demountables at Castle Hill Public School.

There are more than 1140 students enrolled at the Les Shore Place school, but the existing facilities only have the capacity for 720 pupils who have been forced to learn in 19 demountable classrooms.

Unlike Matthew Pearce Public, Schools Infrastructure NSW projections indicate that the demand for the school will increase. The demand means all demountables will be replaced and the upgrades will cater for 1200 students.

A statement of environmental effects tendered to Hills Shire Council stated: “Replacement of existing demountables on site with permanent learning spaces will help provide modern learning environments and core facilities that meet future student demand.’’

The block will be constructed along the northeastern boundary, which avoids constraints such as trees and prevailing winds.

The state government’s Sydney and Regional Planning Panel is assessing plans, which the Planning Department will determine.