With shovel-ready projects a Government focus to restart the economy in response to COVID-19, the sod was turned on a $123 million new school in Sydney’s thriving North West on Tuesday.
Santa Sophia Catholic College is a new co-educational school for up to 1 920 students to be built within Box Hill North Town Centre.
Approved by the Independent Planning Commission in late April, construction is due to begin next week. The College features a four to six storey building with learning areas, creative and performance hubs, open space and sporting facilities, for up to 1860 Kindergarten to Year 12 students and 130 full-time staff. There are also plans for an on-site childcare centre for 60 children.
The College is already well-subscribed at interim locations at St John Paul II College, Schofields and Our Lady of the Angels Primary, Rouse Hill. The new facilities at Box Hill North are scheduled to open in late 2021 at ‘The Gables’, Box Hill North.
Executive Director Greg Whitby is excited about the learning opportunities that Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s 80th school will deliver to local families.
“This innovative new school will serve one of the fastest growing regions in Sydney,” said Greg. “Santa Sophia will soon be at the centre of this growing new community, and we can’t wait.”
“We’re really looking forward to being located in the heart of The Gables supporting students and their families close to home,” said Mark De Vries, Principal, Santa Sophia Catholic College.
“Buildcorp is proud to be working with Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta and other partners using innovative design and prefabrication construction to build the school in only 13 months,” said Buildcorp Managing Director Tony Sukkar.
The College’s Open Days, held in March 2020 attracted more than 400 people interested in both primary and secondary school. Enrolment for Year 7 students in 2021 is at capacity and the College now has a waiting list.
A fly-through of the Santa Sophia Catholic College design can be viewed below:
With thanks to Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.
