Telopea Park School expansion plans face traffic and green space concerns
A $53.4 million expansion of Telopea Park School has drawn concerns from nearby residents over traffic, parking and loss of recreational land.
Canberra's biggest public high school plans a major expansion to add 500 students, specialist classrooms, a double gymnasium and 81 parking spaces. The $53.4 million project at Telopea Park School has triggered concerns from nearby residents about traffic during drop-off and pick-up times.
Traffic and parking emerged as the most frequently raised issues in community consultation. Residents worried about loss of a playing field used only by students and the broader community.
Others raised concerns about protecting mature trees and wildlife habitat, including gang-gang cockatoos. Some questioned whether the carpark would be large enough and suggested the school encourage public transport, cycling and walking instead.
Apartment owners raised concerns about privacy, views and noise from the gymnasium. Despite these concerns, the consultation report found broad support for the educational benefits and new sporting facilities.
- $53.4 million
- Project cost
- 500
- New students
- 81
- Parking spaces
- Canberra's biggest public high school
- School status
Why it mattersThe expansion will reshape a busy inner-city neighbourhood; how well the school manages traffic and preserves green space will affect dozens of local streets and residents' daily commute.
AustraliaCanberra residents, parents and students will see significant changes to the area around one of the territory's major schools, with construction disruption and long-term changes to traffic patterns in inner-south.
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