Homebush West Public to be transformed into a school for the futu
Release date: 20 August 2017
Work has begun on a $28 million project to upgrade Homebush West Public School with 36 of the most up-to-date classrooms featuring innovative rooftop play and recreational spaces.
Education Minister Rob Stokes visited Homebush West today to officially launch the major upgrade that will give the school capacity for up to 900 students.
“This exciting investment in rebuilding the school is an appropriate response to the strong growth in the local area,” Mr Stokes said.
“The school upgrade will be completed in time for the start of day one, term one 2019,” he said.
As well as future-focused learning spaces, the school will have landscaping improvements, a covered outdoor learning area and additional open spaces including two sports courts, two new entries and drop off areas.
The upgrade will include core facilities in the new building, including a new staff area, and modernised administration, staff room, kitchen and breakout spaces.
An outstanding feature of the project is the huge innovative rooftop play and educational space.
To further expand play space, the Department of Education announced in August it had purchased a nearby former Anglican church, in addition to its manse, and secured a council agreement to close part of Exeter Street.
The move supported by Strathfield Council will create a significant greenspace site that can be both public recreational space and extra school play space.
“The rooftop play space and the street closure are clever responses to the challenge of maximising outdoor area on the site,” Mr Stokes said.
The site of the new block has been cleared and in-ground structural work, including excavation and concrete foundations, is already underway.
Homebush, Burwood and Strathfield have been identified by the Department of Planning and Environment as Priority Precincts to accommodate population growth over the next 20 years – with new homes and jobs located close to public transport, shops and services.
