Gilroy Catholic College: Plans for massive revamp at Castle Hill secondary school

How the proposed developments would look from a western viewpoint

Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill is one step closer to achieving a massive revamp after documents were recently lodged with The Hills Shire Council.

Development plans, valued at just over $20 million, have been submitted for the demolition of existing buildings and construction of new facilities at Gilroy Catholic College.

This school is bounded by Marie St and Excelsior Ave, Castle Hill.

What the school’s new building could look like … artist impression by Stanton Dahl Architects

The site is currently shared with St Gabriel’s School, a separate primary school for children with special needs.

According to the developer’s plans, this plot of land was purchased almost 100 years ago by the Catholic Church with the intention of establishing a school for deaf children.

It is primarily surrounded by low-density suburban homes, located about 1.5 km from Castle Towers.

An aerial view of the proposed development site (coloured purple)

The proposed development is limited to 5731 sqm on the western end of the college’s campus.

The proposal is for the demolition of two buildings and a shed to make way for a two-storey specialist building (’Block D’) and covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

According to the developer’s plans, Block D would be “a purpose-built research and creative (STEM) learning facility with specialist science, technology, home economics, visual arts and sports science facilities”.

Along with specialist STEM classrooms, Block D would also contain a canteen, common area and storage space.

Artist impression of what Block D could look like.

Planning documents also propose the construction of a new COLA, the resurfacing of two existing sports courts and an internal courtyard with artificial turf.

According to the developer’s plans, this courtyard would “provide a private, high-quality recreation and learning space”.

Seven new trees and more than 800 shrubs would also be planted throughout the college’s grounds.

There would also be no changes to the school’s student and staff population.

Planning documents state “(this development would) provide for a more comfortable and sustainable site.”

“(The proposal) will ensure the use of the site as an educational establishment is enhanced and safeguarded for the long-term … (meeting) the education demands of Hills residents.”

Gilroy Catholic College was approached for comment.

This development application has been submitted to The Hills Shire Council. It will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel in the coming months.

Read the full article by Hills Shire Times