$15m expansion plans for Singleton’s Australian Christian College refused by joint regional planning panel

Concerns over traffic congestion and increased numbers at school drop-off and pick-up zones has resulted in one Hunter Valley school being forced to halt plans for a massive expansion.

Artist impressions of the $15 million expansion proposed for the Australian Christian College at Singleton. Credit: Singleton Council documents

Inadequate parking, insufficient drop-off and pick-up arrangements and concerns over traffic congestion have shelved plans for a Hunter Valley private school to expand.

A project is in the works for the Australian Christian College at Singleton - a co-ed school catering from Kindergarten to year 12 - to build a new two-storey classroom building, extra car parking as well increase student numbers by more than double to 700 pupils, at an estimated price tag of $15 million.

A report by Singleton Council cited the school expansion would be delivered in two stages; firstly to increase numbers from 378 to 491 students before that again jumped to 700 students.

It said the School Travel Plan would implement staggered bell times and OOSH (out of school hours) to mitigate the traffic impacts and considered that acceptable to being able to manage traffic issues.

The council report noted that the Singleton Bypass, once operational, would also improve traffic impacts along the New England Highway and Kelso St in peak times and be able to accommodate the proposed works.

Aerial view of Australian Christian College at Singleton. Google Maps.

Artist impressions of the $15 million expansion proposed for the Australian Christian College at Singleton. Credit: Singleton Council documents

But last year the Hunter Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel - the determining authority - weren’t satisfied with information given by the school to address and minimise congestion.

Documents stated the panel was not satisfied with car parking allocations, bus parking and manoeuvring areas, drop-off and pick-up, pedestrian pathways and bicycle parking to accommodate for the dramatic increase in students.

On March 18 it considered information from council but the development application was refused.

A drawing of the proposed new building to be built. Credit: Singleton Council documents

Documents also stated the panel did not agree there would be no overlay in drop-off and pick-up between the different uses on the site.

This publication contacted the school to determine if a further application would be submitted by the school following the decision but there has been no response.

In addition to the school the Singleton campus also contains an early learning centre, trade training centre, and provides out of school hours services before and after school.