Updated plans for Cronulla High School lodged with Sutherland council

New permanent classrooms, a canteen, administration area and upgraded student and staff amenities will be built as part of a major redevelopment of the south Sydney school.

Artist impression of the Cronulla High School upgrade. Cronulla High School is being upgraded to provide additional permanent teaching spaces and core facilities. Picture: School Infrastructure NSW

A major redevelopment of Cronulla High School is one step closer after plans were lodged to prepare the site for construction.

The school, which accommodates more than 1300 students, is being upgraded to provide additional permanent teaching spaces and core facilities.

New permanent classrooms, a canteen, administration area and upgraded student and staff amenities will be built.

A proposal lodged with Sutherland Shire Council on Monday sought approval to remove 10 trees at the school, which is located on Captain Cook Drive.

The application forms part of a larger upgrade of the school undertaken by School Infrastructure NSW.

New permanent classrooms, a canteen, administration area and upgraded student and staff amenities will be built. Picture: School Infrastructure NSW

“The project seeks to replace existing demountable structures with permanent buildings, accommodating new fit-for-purpose learning spaces,” the development application said.

“The majority of the works, including demolition of an existing building, construction of two new buildings and reconfiguration of the existing car park are being pursued as ‘development without consent’.”

The tree removal requires separate approval from the council.

The application said the proposal to remove the trees “does not result in significant adverse environmental, social, economic or amenity impacts on adjoining properties of the neighbourhood”.

Trees need to be removed to make way for permanent buildings. Picture: School Infrastructure NSW

“The landscape quality and amenity of the site, as well as the wider locality, will be maintained and enhanced by way of the proposed replacement tree planting,” the application said.

“The proposed tree removal is an integral part of a larger upgrade of Cronulla High School.

“The upgrade works will improve the learning and teaching experience for students and staff, while enhancing the appearance of the school.”

Forty-eight replacement trees will be planted.

The upgrade was approved last year and construction will begin this year.

The school will be operational during construction. Picture: School Infrastructure NSW

Students will learn in demountable classrooms while other buildings are being demolished, to ensure the school remains operational during construction.

The design of the upgrade had input from the Department of Education, Cronulla High School and the Parents and Citizens representatives, architects, planners and design experts.

Neighbours have been notified and the design and construction contract has been awarded to Stephen Edwards Constructions.

The next steps will be finalising detailed design and developing a program of work that needs to be completed.

The school currently has eight permanent buildings, one modular classroom, 22 demountable classrooms, on-site carparking, various open space/play areas, sports ovals and tennis courts.