The New South Wales government has launched a program to build dozens of new and upgraded public school and preschool facilities in a shorter timeframe.
The Manufacturing for Schools program will leverage innovative construction techniques, like digital technologies and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements, to streamline the construction of high-quality school buildings, all while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
The program is expected to deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent and cut construction time by up to 30 per cent. It is also expected to yield less carbon emissions, materials waste, and water waste, in comparison to traditional construction methods.
The APP Group secured the manufacturing partner contract for the program, bringing together industry professionals to deliver the “kit of parts” for new and upgraded schools across the state’s growth areas.
The program has installed a Stage 2 upgrade at Oran Park Public School in eight weeks. The total project took a total of 13 months.
The program’s construction approach will prioritise growing school communities, especially in high-growth areas like North-Western and South-Western Sydney, the NSW government said in a media release.
Plans are underway to deliver more than 30 new and upgraded schools under the Manufacturing for Schools program, including new primary schools at Sydney Olympic Park and Box Hill/The Gables, and high schools at Jordan Springs, Gregory Hills/Gledswood Hills, Schofields/Tallawong, Leppington and Medowie.
“The Manufacturing for Schools program represents the future – a major shift in our approach to designing, building, and delivering new schools and facilities for students and families in NSW,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car.
“This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population while getting better bang for taxpayers’ buck.”
