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Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children’s new Macquarie University school plan revealed

A plan to relocate the historic Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children’s centre from its North Rocks home has been revealed. See the $74 million plan here.

Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University
Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University

A $72 million plan for the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children centre of excellence to be relocated from its North Rocks home to Macquarie University — which will see a new pre and primary school as well as an expansive health consulting services centre — has been revealed.

Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University
Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University

The State Significant Development is up for public consultation through NSW Major Projects at the Planning Department until December 16.

It forecasts the development of a series of sensory and purpose-built spaces at the university site, following the sale of the property at 361-365 North Rocks Rd, North Rocks, announced in 2018.

Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University.
Artist impressions of the multimillion-dollar facility proposed for Macquarie University.

A planner for the multimillion-dollar projects said the facility was proposed to open for the 2023 academic year, and will include a clinical services centre, library and resource centre,

accommodation for a specialist Pre-schools, Schools and School Support Program, research and assessment centre, therapy and rehabilitation services across a 10,475sq m, three-storey facility.

“The development includes preschool and School accommodation for up to 80 preschool children and up to 120 schoolchildren in a single storey pavilion addressing Culloden Rd,” the planner said in a submission supporting the proposal.

The main RIDBC building is expected to cater for approximately 260 staff and include a series of classrooms, a business hub and medical facilities.

What the facility could look like.
What the facility could look like.

The centre of excellence will replace RIDBC’s existing headquarters at North Rocks, following a 60 year history at the site.

“The site at Macquarie University provides RIDBC with a significant opportunity to relocate, consolidate and refocus its operations from the existing North Rocks campus to a new location which enhances its relationship with, and proximity to, academic functions with MQU, its student base, and the Australian Hearing Hub and Cochlear,” the planner said.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/royal-institute-of-deaf-and-blind-childrens-new-macquarie-university-school-plan-revealed/news-story/e286c86ba98ea6e37c394ac5601cd65b