Redlands School: Residents, mayor call for private school to open grounds for public use

Residents are calling for the grounds of an elite private school to be opened up for the public outside school hours, based on similar models at public schools. Have your say in our poll.

A photo of the school’s grounds.

The grounds of a top north shore private school would be opened up to the public under a radical proposal aimed at addressing the region’s dire lack of available green space.

Members of a North Sydney Council community precinct group are spearheading a push for Redlands School in Cremorne to allow the public use of its facilities outside school hours, based on similar models supported by local public schools.

The coeducational school is one of the largest in Sydney’s north and boasts facilities including playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts.

Peter Ellis, co-chair of the Brightmore Precinct Group, said the idea was driven by a shortfall of green space and playing facilities to support the region’s growing population.

“The school has grown over the years and we believe it has sufficient space that can be used by the community on weekends and after school hours,” he said.

A photo of the campus.

“Schools like Neutral Bay Public welcome people to use their grounds in non school hours and we think it would be a great thing if Redlands would agree to do something similar.

“There’s an enormous part of their school that’s unused out of school hours and it’s the running around areas we think would be most beneficial for residents and also access to basketball courts.

“There are a lot more apartments going up along Military Rd, more families are living in high rise and not everyone has the benefit of a backyard.

“We recognise there could be issues such as public liability and vandalism but we think they could be worked through.”

Community group members are seeking a meeting with the school to discuss the proposal.

The precinct group is in the process of seeking a formal meeting with Redlands to gauge the school’s support for the proposal.

A spokeswoman for the school declined to comment on whether the school would support the proposal until the meeting is held.

If supported, the move would follow the lead of public schools which allow facilities to be used by residents and sporting groups outside hours.

Mayor Zoe Baker said North Sydney Council supported the precinct group’s proposal.

“I’ve been actively seeking to talk to private schools about their grounds and it would be nice to have formal arrangements for the community to use as well as organised sports,” she said.

A photo of the school.

“There are public schools that allow the gates to be opened outside school hours with notices stating that if you play you use it at your own risk.

“We have to be creative to maximise possibilities for recreational space.”

Studies by North Sydney Council show the region has a shortage of recreational space with a ratio lower than the City of Sydney Council area, based on population density.