Waterloo is set to host a new six-storey independent school at the existing Sydney Film School location, 242-258 Young Street, catering to 800 students.
Project Overview
Plans unveiled by Sustainable Development Group detail the site’s transformation into a state-of-the-art educational hub, merging primary and secondary schooling with creative arts. The project, poised to meet the increasing demand for school places due to a projected 76% rise in the school-aged population by 2031, aims to fill the significant gap in private educational facilities in the area.
The proposed development, integrated within one of Sydney’s largest urban renewal areas, aligns with citywide efforts to support a booming population expected to reach 63,000 by 2036. This initiative promises to provide a contemporary education setting adjacent to major residential projects like the future Woolworths Waterloo and the Danks St South Precinct.
Development Details and Benefits
The new school will offer K-12 education and maintain the heritage of the Sydney Film School, creating a unique educational environment that leverages film studies’ media focus. The school plans to operate by the 2028 or 2029 academic year, with facilities including a hall and community hub designed to enhance student life and local community interaction.
The school’s design incorporates innovative learning environments, with classrooms equipped with the latest technology to support digital learning and interactive pedagogies. Plans include outdoor learning areas that complement the indoor facilities, emphasizing the importance of flexible and varied learning spaces.
The school’s design also focuses on sustainable development, aspiring to achieve a 5-star Green Star and 4-star NABERS rating, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Decisions and Planning Steps
The Central Sydney Planning Committee has taken significant steps to advance this project. Recent council resolutions include approving the planning proposal for submission to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, initiating public authority consultation, and seeking ministerial authority to finalize the local environmental plan. Additionally, the draft Design Guide for the project was approved for public exhibition, ensuring community input into the final design aspects.
The school development is expected to significantly impact the local community by providing high-quality educational opportunities and catalysts for further economic and social development. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing support for a project that promises to enhance the local landscape and provide essential services.
Published 7-Aug-2024