Construction begins on former Camden High School site

NEW life will soon breeze into historic Camden, as construction begins on the maligned site of the old Camden High School. A multimillion-dollar retirement precinct will transform the sad looking John St block after its contamination remediation.

Construction has begun on the former Camden High School site at John St, with the first buildings of Camden Central Lifestyle Estate to be complete this year.

CONSTRUCTION will start shortly at the former Camden High School site, breathing new life into the once toxic precinct.

A multimillion-dollar retirement precinct, called Camden Central Lifestyle Estate, will transform the sad looking John St site to become the future home of hundreds of senior citizens.

An artist’s impression of a courtyard at the future Camden Central Lifestyle Estate.

And an independent living apartment.

Michael Rabey, the chief operating officer of developers AEH Group, said the project, which includes a mix of independent living, higher-care facilities and a resident bar and cafe, will embrace the area’s charm.

AEH Group chief operating officer Michael Rabey. Picture: Simon Bullard

“We are looking forward to bringing this exciting project to fruition and continuing to work with the local community,” Mr Rabey said.

“We have our first construction certificate and works are now under way.

“We expect our first residents to be moving in during the second half of the year.”

Remediation of the John St site has now been completed, as the long-mooted class action against the Education Department, alleging former staff and students suffered illness due to the contaminants on the site, remains on standby.

It will soon be home to several hundred senior citizens.

And it will include community facilities, including a resident cafe and bar.

“We’ve met all the requirements under the site’s Remedial Action Plan and the auditor sign-off,” Mr Rabey said.

“We appreciate the involvement of many community members, including close neighbours and the local schools and parent groups, in the project to date.”

The first two buildings, on the corner of John St, are expected to be complete by the end of the year.

The project has attracted considerable interest, with 40 of the first 54 apartments already sold.