A $74 million masterplan for alterations and additions to St Philip's Christian College Cessnock has been lodged with Cessnock City Council.
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As the project's capital investment value exceeds $20 million, it is considered a State Significant Development and will go through a comprehensive approval process via the NSW Government's Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
The plans - which can be viewed on the government's Major Projects website - include an indoor aquatic centre, road upgrades, and several new buildings.
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The college has grown significantly since it moved to the 42-hectare site at Nulkaba in 2012, with 1200 students from prep to Year 12. It has undergone several subsequent approvals and modifications since its original approval.
School principal Matt Connett said a decision was made to "move beyond the standard approvals process" and complete a masterplan for the whole property.
"There is so much growth and potential in the area, and the school has grown so quickly," Mr Connett said.
"We want our students to have the best possible facilities. The environment in which education takes place encourages and inspires people."
The indoor aquatic centre would be available to the public in a limited capacity, and outside of times when in use by the school. It would join the school's theatre and sporting fields among the facilities that are available for use by the wider community.
"We want to make sure everything we do also has connection to community - it's not just for the 'private school down the road'," Mr Connett said.
"To see these facilities used by community groups would be fantastic."
The masterplan also includes upgrades to Lomas Lane and Wine Country Drive, four new school buildings plus extensions to existing buildings, a chapel, a new administration and welcome centre, and a new preschool and early learning centre.
An environmental impact assessment is currently being prepared, before the development application will go on exhibition for public feedback.
Mr Connett said the school aims to start the next stage of the build in mid-to-late 2022.