Preparations are underway for the State Significant Development (SSD) application, as well as the technical studies and environmental impact assessment, of the relocation of The Forest High School to Allambie Heights.
Consultations are also ongoing with Northern Beaches Council, Transport for NSW, and other key stakeholders to prepare the design development and planning details required before filing the SSD.
In December 2021, the NSW School Infrastructure released the concept design of The Forest High School, which has been earmarked for a 2025 opening along 187 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. The new site will feature modern flexible learning spaces fit for 1,500 students, a new library, canteen and administration spaces, a multi-purpose sports and performance hall, new outdoor sports courts, and landscaped recreation with outdoor learning spaces.
The new site, located near the Warringah Aquatic Centre sporting facilities, was chosen as an adequate environment to build a new high school since it can accommodate the current intake of the current school. The location is also well-serviced by public transport, water, stormwater, electricity, and gas.
Due to the relocation, the assessment report in the SSD will also detail the school transport plan and travel demands of the school community. The project will also include a range of infrastructure proposals, such as school drop-off and pick-up areas, staff car parking, and secure bicycle or scooter parking.
New bus zones and upgrades to existing pedestrian and road infrastructure are also possible, if the plans, based on discussions with Transport NSW, the Northern Business Council, and bus operators, are consolidated.
Principal Rosemary McDowall expressed that the designs and preliminary plans meet the needs of the school community. She’s happy to see the plans incorporate a collaborative space with the NSW School Infrastructure taking in the inputs and comments properly.
Construction of the new school is expected to start by mid-2023, after the demolition of the former Cerebral Palsy Alliance building in late 2022. The old school, on the other hand, will become part of the Frenchs Forest new town centre, which will have medium density residential units.
