Newington Public School to get upgrade with 10 new classrooms
A western Sydney primary school littered with demountables in the middle of a rapidly expanding community has scored an upgrade that includes 10 permanent classrooms.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
It’s out with demountables and in with permanent classrooms at Newington Public School in the middle of Australia’s most densely-built community, under a major state government upgrade to serve the Sydney Olympic Park area.
The school has scored 10 permanent classrooms and four special program rooms to replace demountables as part of the project Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car pledged during a visit to the school on Monday.
The upgrade – to be completed by 2027 – will mean 2000sq m of open place space will return to about 680 students after demountables occupied a chunk of the site.
The government has said the upgrade would ensure enrolment growth in the broader Sydney Olympic Park area was met and that it would relieve pressure on Newington until development on the Carter St precinct could begin.
The designs for the Newington Blvd project will be unveiled as the project progresses and is part of $3.6bn in the budget for new and upgraded schools in western Sydney.
Ms Car said families in the growing area were “crying out” for upgrades.
“I am excited to announce this upgrade that will future-proof Newington Public School, benefit teaching and learning, and help teachers set up our students for academic success,’’ she said.
“This targeted investment will ensure growing communities get access to a world class public education.
Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis welcomed the upgrade after “12 years of neglect from the former Liberal National government”.
“It was great to visit the school and hear the reaction to the news from the school captains and parents who were really pleased that these upgrades are on the way to support enrolment growth in the coming years,’’ she said.
At neighbouring Wentworth Point, the primary school is getting an upgrade that includes
26 new classrooms, seven new multipurpose spaces, three new support classrooms and an internal renovation to the school’s library.
The upgrade will allow for the removal of all 16 demountables and lift the capacity of the school from 400 to 1000 when works are completed in mid-2026.
Wentworth Point High School opened last month and includes 78 new classrooms, a commercial kitchen for hospitality students and a baby grand piano for budding musicians.
Construction on stage 2 is set to begin this year and deliver a multipurpose hall, new outdoor spaces, games courts, canteen facilities and a sports field which will be open to the community outside of school hours.
Knock-down solution to solve ‘desperate’ parking shortage
Shoppers and traders could find some relief to parking problems with a council considering the demolition of a dilapidated community centre in Sydney’s west.
Alleged cocaine dealer crashed into police car at Bondi Beach
An alleged cocaine dealer crashed into a police car after a pursuit in Bondi Beach which saw officers jump out of their vehicle and draw their guns, a court has heard.