Orange Grove Public School upgrade

The area of the current usable open green spaces at Orange Grove Public School is 3850 sq metres, once the upgrade is completed and demountable buildings are removed, the school will benefit from an expected 4200 sq metres of usable green spaces. This is an addition of 350 sq metres more usable green space for student and community use.

Swapping the proposed location of the buildings is not a viable option given the multiple constraints of the site.  From a school operations perspective, the proposed location of the buildings in the revised masterplan will support school functions including student and staff safety, security, pedagogy and other elements needed to create a functional environment for activities such as painting, school assemblies, school performances, canteen operations, outdoor activities and OHSC.  

By having the proposed administration building centrally located at the entrance of the school, school staff will have increased visibility of the school grounds and will be able to better manage visitors as they enter the school. This also provides an added layer of security for students, staff and visitors.  The proposed location of the school hall allows for visitors attending performances or out of hours events, to enter and exit the school easily without needing to access the school's main areas. 

The proposed central location of the school library provides easy access for students and staff. The proposed new open spaces allow for outdoor areas to be used for different play groups and activities.  These elements have been welcomed by the school. The organisational model of the school is influenced by pedagogy, activity programming, school administration, teacher resources, student numbers and grouping. More information about the EFSG and how we build, and upgrade schools can be found at https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/efsg. 

The current masterplan does not include a shade structure over the basketball court on the side near Perry Street. As we begin consultation with council, the school and other technical experts, we will develop a better understanding of what the options are for shade structures, their usefulness and what the locational implications will be. 

We will keep the community informed when this information becomes available.  

The Orange Grove Organic Markets play an important role in the community and consultation with the Market operators has begun to ensure that the needs of the market are considered. Consultation will be ongoing as the project moves through different phases of planning and eventually construction.  

All the drawings which were shared during the community information session in March 2024 are to scale.