With the Jindabyne Education Campus now fully operational, attention is shifting towards the development plans for the old Jindabyne Central School (JCS) site. The state-of-the-art facilities for Jindabyne Public and High School students are a significant upgrade within the community, but it also leaves a pivotal question: what comes next for the space left behind?
The decommissioned JCS site, and ultimate sale, plays a key role in financing the new school builds in Jindabyne.
PHOTO: The ribbons have been cut on Jindabyne’s new schools, but a time line for the old JCS site redevelopment is yet to be confirmed.
According to Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, extensive consultations have led to a Development Control Plan, finalised nearly a year ago, outlining permissible developments, and addressing community concerns.
“During the consultation process for that plan the community did raise a number of issues around proposed heights on the site and uses,” Mr Whan said.
“My understanding is that final plan includes areas zoned for independent living (for seniors), residential accommodation, and community space and parking.”
“As it is a sloping block, the maximum heights allowed by the plan increase as the block goes downhill, this is to ensure that existing residences uphill from the site are not negatively impacted.”
Among residents’ concerns is the fear of the site becoming neglected or vandalised before redevelopment begins. Mr Whan acknowledged these concerns, stating that the site’s appearance and potential interim uses are contingent on the pace of the sale process.
“Development on the site is likely to be undertaken by private developers,” Mr Whan said.
“At this stage the education department has approved disposal of the site, but arrangements have not been made for which part of Government will progress the sale and whether it will be for separate parts of the block or all in one.”
“Some of these questions depend on how quick the sale process is likely to be as it would be up to the ultimate owner of the site to then determine any arrangements for interim use of facilities prior to redevelopment.”
“Once I am clearer on these timeframes, we can address some of those other issues.”
Potential interim usages face challenges related to legal aspects like liability and maintenance since ownership transfer away from the education department is pending Mr Whan advised.
“I am happy to discuss proposals for use of facilities but noting that legal aspects of that need to be considered – ie the facilities wont be owned by the education department, so there would need to be a legal arrangement to cover things like liability and maintenance.”
Mr Whan is currently seeking consultation on the process and timeframes and advised he will report back to the community on those issues when more information is available.
The transition period for the old JCS site is an opportunity to redefine its role within the Jindabyne community. Residents remain hopeful that the forthcoming changes will further enrich the town while preserving its vibrant communal spirit.
As the community looks forward to more definitive timelines, there’s a shared excitement about the revitalisation of this historic site in the years ahead.
Mr Whan expressed that, “In the long term, the redevelopment of the site has the potential to address several significant needs expressed by the community.”
“Seniors living, accommodation suitable for seasonal workers and potentially further retail opportunities. I look forward to seeing how this progresses over the next couple of years.”