Sydney Catholic Schools submitted a development application to Sutherland Shire Council for a phased expansion of St Aloysius College Cronulla, located at 2-6 Cross Road, Burraneer. Lodged on 10 February 2025, the proposal outlines a major redevelopment of the school. The project intends to modernise facilities and increase the school’s capacity, addressing the needs of the growing local community.
Key Features of the Development
The proposed redevelopment focuses on a 35,000-square-metre site that currently accommodates 414 students and 66 staff members. When completed, the upgraded facilities will support up to 1,080 students and 82 staff. The plans incorporate modern construction, infrastructure improvements, and extensive landscaping. Additionally, the proposal complies with the SP2 Infrastructure (Educational Establishment) zoning under the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015, which facilitates the development of educational facilities.
Detailed Proposal
The redevelopment progresses in three clearly defined phases:
- Phase 1: Alterations to Existing Structures The development team will modify Building D to accommodate relocated administrative functions. Specifically:
- Workers will install a new ramp to improve accessibility.
- An external door and new staff toilet facilities will be added.
- Landscaping around the building will enhance the site’s overall visual appeal. To facilitate these changes, the removal of two trees will also take place.
- Phase 2: Site Preparation, Construction, and Landscaping During this phase, the team will demolish the existing Building A and replace it with a new, modern structure. Key elements include:
- Performing bulk earthworks and removing six trees, including one dead tree.
- Constructing a part-two, part-three-storey Building A, which will house:
- 17 general learning areas.
- Four science laboratories.
- A domestic food technology kitchen.
- An upper-level terrace to preserve views for neighbouring properties.
- Dedicated staff facilities.
- Expanding the car park to offer a total of 42 spaces.
- Installing 108 bicycle parking spaces to encourage sustainable travel.
- Planting 32 trees to restore and improve site vegetation, which exceeds the required 4:1 replacement ratio.
- Phase 3: Demolition of Temporary Structures In the final phase, the project will remove a demountable building currently used as a food technology classroom. Workers will then re-landscape the area and integrate it into the adjacent sports field, improving its functionality and appearance.
Artist impression by Woods Bagot
Strategic Alignment with Local and State Planning
The proposal aligns with several local and state planning strategies. These include:
- Greater Sydney Region Plan: The project directly contributes to the “Metropolis of Three Cities” vision by improving educational facilities in the South District, which fosters better community access to vital infrastructure.
- South District Plan: By addressing the demand for improved educational infrastructure, the project supports one of the South District’s strategic priorities.
- Sutherland Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement: The expansion supports the Shire’s objective to provide accessible, high-quality community infrastructure for a growing population.
Environmental Management and Sustainability
Environmental considerations remain central to this redevelopment. The project includes several measures to ensure long-term sustainability:
- Stormwater Management: The proposal incorporates bio-retention basins and rainwater tanks to control runoff. These measures protect Gunnamatta Bay and minimise potential impacts on nearby waterways.
- Tree Removal and Replacement: The project will remove eight trees but replace them with 32 new plantings. This prioritises native and locally endemic species, ensuring biodiversity preservation.
- Ecological Impact: The ecological assessment found that the project will not significantly affect local wildlife, including the Grey-headed Flying Fox. Ample alternative habitats exist in the surrounding area.
- Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP): The development team will implement a CEMP to manage risks, including potential contamination, sediment control, and waste handling during construction.
Community Benefits
The redevelopment offers numerous benefits for the local community:
- Improved Facilities: New classrooms, science laboratories, and food technology spaces will create cutting-edge learning environments for students.
- Increased Capacity: Expanding the school’s capacity to 1,080 students ensures that the growing Cronulla population has access to quality education.
- Economic Growth: The construction phase will generate temporary jobs, while the increased school population is likely to stimulate local businesses and services.
- Sustainability: The use of sustainable building materials and practices reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Traffic and Transport Considerations
A Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment evaluated potential impacts caused by the expansion. The project addresses these concerns by:
- Extending on-site parking to accommodate additional vehicles.
- Installing 108 bicycle parking spaces to encourage active transport.
- Optimising drop-off and pick-up zones to streamline vehicle movements during peak hours.
Heritage and Cultural Sensitivity
The development team followed protocols to assess the site for Aboriginal and European heritage. Although no heritage sites were identified, workers will adhere to procedures for managing unexpected finds during construction. This ensures any discoveries are properly preserved.
Flooding and Coastal Management
The site’s proximity to Gunnamatta Bay requires careful management of flooding and coastal processes. The proposal addresses these risks through:
- Installing stormwater detention systems to handle extreme weather events.
- Stabilising soils with targeted landscaping and tree planting to prevent erosion.
- Retaining natural water flow paths wherever possible to preserve the integrity of coastal processes.
Project Team
The redevelopment involves a collaborative team of professionals:
- Developer: Sydney Catholic Schools
- Urban Planner: Willowtree Planning Pty Ltd
- Architectural Design: Woods Bagot
- Landscape Planning: Urbis
- Civil Engineering: ADP
- Traffic and Transport Analysis: Urbis
- Ecological Reporting: Engeny
- Arboricultural Assessment: Arboreport
- Noise Assessment: JHA
- Waste Management: Currie & Brown
- Sustainability Reporting: Proclus Advisory Pty Ltd
For more information, search the application number DA25/0080 on the Sutherland Shire Council’s website.
