Northern Beaches Secondary College, Cromer Campus has secured $1 million from the Government’s 2024-25 State Budget to build an indoor sports facility.
Chris Minns visited the campus on Friday, 14 June with Independent Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan to announce the plans for the highly advocated hall, as well as to shoot some hoops with the school’s U16 state basketball champs.
“Michael put us in a headlock and demanded it, but said it was crucial for the school,” Premier Minns said.
“Having looked at the hall, it was built in the 60s [ed correction 70s]. I mean, it’s in urgent need of an upgrade. The kids here are great, too, it’s a real investment in the community. So put aside that million dollars in planning money, we know that more needs to come.”
The Cromer Campus student population has doubled within the past few years resulting in the school community voicing their needs for an upgraded hall.
The new multipurpose indoor sports facility won’t just be exclusive to students but also to community groups who can use the area after hours, on the weekends and during school holidays.
“I think it’s really important to secure funding for one of the largest public schools on the beaches,” Hon Regan said.
“Across the Northern Beaches, the community has been crying out for more indoor multi-use sports courts, so everyone can play the sports they love. Waiting lists are in the thousands, with kids in particular missing out.
“Kids want to have somewhere to do the performing arts as well as sports… We’re going to plan to make sure this reaches out to the whole community, not just Cromer Campus.”
Northern Beaches Council will work with the Board of Education as well as PCYC and the community to ensure the visions for the hall come to fruition.
Planning for the area is expected to take 12 months with Cromer Campus Principal Justin Hong expressing his gratitude- and relief- for the funds towards the rapidly growing school.
“It’s a real game changer for the school. We’ve grown in the last few years from a population of 600 students to 1200… we don’t have a facility that fits all the kids at the moment,” Mr Hong said.
“So to be able to have a facility like that I think is a real bonus and a positive for not just Cromer Campus, but for the entire community.”
The funds allocated to the school were not the only cause for celebration that day, the Premier also congratulated the campus’ U16 men’s basketball team at their school assembly for recently winning the state championships.
