Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children: NextSense Centre of Excellence approved

A multimillion-dollar vision to relocate the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children Centre of Excellence has been decided on.

A $74 million proposal to relocate the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children from its historic home in North Rocks to the grounds of Macquarie University has been decided on.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes gave the major research, audiology and learning hub the tick of approval this week, earmarking the completion of the state-of-the-art facility in 2023.

What the NextSense Centre of Excellence will look like.

The approval allows developers EG to power ahead with a multimillion-dollar vision to reimagine the former North Rocks home of the RIDBC, forecasting the construction of as many as 1200 homes across 20 apartment complexes ranging up to eight storeys high.

Mr Stokes said the “NextSense Centre of Excellence will boost the university’s position as a leading hearing hub and strengthen its research, audiology and healthcare assets”.

“This move will bolster the strong partnership and collaborative relationship that exists between NextSense and Macquarie University,” Mr Stokes said.

“Locating the new headquarters on campus will mean better research and collaboration, more resources and world-leading care and community services for those living with hearing and vision loss.”

The NextSense plan for Macquarie University will see a new pre and primary school as well as an expansive health consulting services centre established at the site.

The facility will include a pre- and primary school, as well as a range of health services

Ryde state Liberal MP Victor Dominello said the new headquarters was an exciting development of more research facilities in the Macquarie Park innovation precinct.

“This $74.5 million project locks in continued job security for nearly 300 employees

and the creation of 250 new construction jobs,” Mr Dominello said. “The sharing of resources and the opening of a new specialist preschool and primary school and clinical services for children and adults will ensure families can reap the benefits of strong support and early intervention.”

NextSense’s chief executive Chris Rehn said the new purpose-built facility on the university campus will see the centre of excellence deliver best practice services and support for people with hearing or vision loss.

“Our combined expertise and voice will be a formidable force for good, for people with hearing and vision loss and for knowledge sharing and influence,” Mr Rehn said.

The $74 million development is expected to open for the 2023 academic year, and will include a clinical services centre, library and resource centre.