Meadowbank Education Precinct: $218m education precinct approved
A $218 million state-of-the-art education precinct has been approved paving the way for a new hub of learning for students from kindergarten to university in Sydney’s northwest. More than 2,500 students will be relocated from nearby schools and in excess of a thousand jobs will be created. SEE THE PLANS
Northern District Times
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A $218 million state-of-the-art education precinct has been approved paving the way for a new hub of learning for students from kindergarten to university in Sydney’s northwest.
The Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct will welcome more than 2,500 students from relocated schools, Meadowbank Public and Marsden High School, and 120 students at an Intensive English Centre once complete.
Plans include an indoor gymnasium, multipurpose school hall, two modern libraries, and plenty of outdoor play areas including astroturf sports courts and running tracks at the former TAFE campus on 2 Rhodes Street in Meadowbank.
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said the project was a “win” for the community.
“This is a win-win for the entire community, with new state-of-the-art learning facilities for students and the transformation of the existing Marsden High and Meadowbank Public into a sporting facility and public open space once the move is complete,” Mr Dominello said.
“This approval paves the way forward for a once-in-a-generation education and employment precinct in Meadowbank that will also benefit from a Multi-Trades and Digital Technology Hub at TAFE Meadowbank.”
The redevelopment of the TAFE Campus is also being concurrently assessed in a separate state significant development application.
If approved, the precinct will also include a technology-focused TAFE and digital technology hub aimed at training students for future jobs and connecting them with local industries.
The Meadowbank project was approved by the Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes through the state government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
In the notice of decision, Mr Stokes determined the project would be in the “public interest” providing a range of benefits including new educational facilities, $218,928,354 capital investment, and jobs; 813 construction and 220 operational jobs.
“Not only are we creating new jobs and supporting NSW’s economic recovery as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing new and upgraded first-class education facilities where they are needed right across the State,” Mr Stokes said.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the new school facilities will benefit future students and the community for generations to come.
“This will be a great asset for the young Meadowbank community and a wonderful example of how the NSW Government is providing the education infrastructure needed to meet the needs of growing communities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over the next four years to deliver and upgrade schools across NSW and it’s great that we can advance that investment quickly to keep the NSW economy ticking over.”