Westmead Catholic schools redevelopment’s first stage delayed

A contentious $120 million schools redevelopment in western Sydney has taken a back seat over concerns part of the project would jeopardise students’ safety.

Works on the first stage of the Westmead Catholic Community Education Campus have been delayed because of concerns a public path will jeopardise safety for students, staff and parents at the Catholic school site at Darcy Rd.

This comes just two months after the Independent Planning Commission approved the first stage of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta’s controversial project, which would include a primary school for 1680 students and a church for 400 worshippers.

But the commission determined that the project would have to meet conditions for the massive overhaul to start.

This includes a public pedestrian path, which the diocese and school groups say will have a “significant impact’’ on safety and accessibility for students, staff and parents.

The concerns about the public having access to school grounds has led the diocese to appeal the decision.

The school community does not want a pedestrian path cutting through the school grounds.

In a letter from diocese’s relieving executive director Christine Howe to parents and staff this month, she said: “The trustees of the Diocese of Parramatta, Marist Schools Australia and Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta have identified concerns about this requirement, believing it could have a significant impact on safety and accessibility for students, staff, parents, carers and parishioners across the whole Westmead Catholic community site.

“Though it is unclear how long the appeal will take, we understand the need to take the matter forward as quickly as possible.’’

Early works on hold include a multi-deck carpark to be built on the monastery site in front of Parramatta Marist and a kiss-and-drop area.

The first stage of the Westmead Catholic Community Education Campus is on hold.

Former Parramatta Lord Mayor Steven Issa, who has two children attend Mother Teresa, agreed the path could pose a threat to children’s safety.

“You can’t just have any general members of the public walking through the school,’’ he said.

“If the development’s approved we now need to make sure it’s built with our kids in mind.

“There’s no point flogging a dead horse. If it’s approved let’s make sure it’s in our kids’ best interest for their education and their safety.’’

The first stage will feature a five-storey primary school to merge students from Sacred Heart Primary at Ralph St Westmead and Mother Teresa, which is already at the Darcy Rd site.

No plans have been submitted for the second phase, which will upgrade Catherine McAuley and Parramatta Marist high schools.

If approved, the student population will explode from 2700 to 6000 students on the campus, opposite Westmead Hospital. The figure has long generated backlash, mainly because of traffic reasons and access for drivers to reach the hospital.

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