School Infrastructure NSW says construction on the project will start in the coming months. Photo: Bungendore High School Facebook.
More pedestrian access and a future expansion in student numbers might be on the cards for Bungendore’s newest school.
The details were released in the latest update for the project from School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW).
The organisation said planning approval had been granted for the new site on Birchfield Drive, with the school’s design being finalised.
“We will now progress into the final design and construction phase for the permanent high school facilities in Bungendore,” the update states.
“Hindmarsh has been appointed as the builder for the project and we expect construction to start in late 2025.”
The NSW Department of Education had pushed to build the new Bungendore High School at the Majara and Gibraltar streets precinct, but it backed down in September 2024.
Following community consultation on the new site, SINSW also addressed several points raised in feedback.
It said a transport assessment for the project had highlighted the need for better walking and cycling routes to the school, as well as measures that would improve safety.
“The department will continue working closely with council and the local community during the project’s delivery to monitor how access is working in practice and make further improvements where needed,” the update says.
This transport assessment also found that local streets could manage the expected traffic and parking demand from the new school.
The detailed design of the new school is being finalised. Photo: File.
An independent review commissioned by School Infrastructure NSW had previously found the Gibraltar/Majara location was “significantly superior” to all others considered.
In the latest update, however, SINSW said the Birchfield Drive site was chosen for several reasons, including its potential to house an expansion of student capacity.
Currently, the school is expected to open with 600 students.
“This location offers long-term access to a growing community and supports the broader aim of placing new school infrastructure in areas expected to support future demand,” the update says.
“The department is committed to delivering a safe, accessible, and well-planned high school for Bungendore that supports current and projected community needs.”
In September 2024, SINSW said revised enrolment figures had indicated a higher than previously expected number of student enrolments for Bungendore High School.
SINSW also said a decision on a proposal to expand the use of the Majara Street site would be expected soon.
Earlier this year, a split campus model was proposed until the new school was ready.
If approved, some kids would learn at the Majara Street site, and others at the existing Bungendore Public School (where students have been studying in demountables).
The proposal includes new demountables, landscaping, outdoor facilities (including a basketball court and shade coverage) and staff parking.
Previously prepared plans for the Bungendore High School project were withdrawn after the NSW Government changed its planned location to Birchfield Drive.
The new Bungendore High School is scheduled to open in term one, 2027.
