A major redevelopment of St Luke’s Grammar School is progressing in Dee Why, following approval for a senior campus and sports centre spanning two nearby sites.
Background and Approval
A $35 million expansion project for St Luke’s Grammar School was formally approved in April 2023 as a State Significant Development (SSD-10291). The proposal includes the transformation of two locations in Dee Why and North Curl Curl into new educational and recreational facilities to accommodate an additional 600 senior students.
The approved development spans the heritage-listed site at 800 Pittwater Road, Dee Why—formerly home to Officeworks and Fitness First—and a commercial site at 224 Headland Road, North Curl Curl.
Expansion Scope and Planned Facilities
The Dee Why campus will serve as the future senior school for Years 10 to 12 and will retain heritage features from the site’s former use as a Bonds factory. These include the original curved canteen and exterior clock tower. The senior campus is expected to open in 2026.
Plans for this campus include:
- A 300-seat assembly theatre
- A 220-seat performing arts theatre
- A 25-metre indoor swimming pool
- A wellness precinct
- Library and academic learning areas
Meanwhile, the North Curl Curl site will feature a multi-purpose indoor sports centre equipped with:
- Two full-size basketball courts
- One half-size basketball court
- Dance and exercise facilities
The sports centre will be linked to the senior campus through an internal connection.
Project Timeline and Economic Impact
The redevelopment is scheduled in three stages, with completion of the entire project anticipated by late 2030 or early 2031. The project carries a capital investment value of approximately $76.4 million and is expected to create 209 jobs during construction.
Heritage and Planning Compliance
The heritage-listed Dee Why site was previously occupied by commercial tenants including Officeworks, which is expected to continue operations until its lease ends in April 2029. The development retains the cultural value of the location while aligning with the school’s future education needs.
Planning documents were lodged and assessed through the NSW Planning Portal, with the Department of Planning and Environment approving the application on 19 April 2023.
Traffic and Community Planning
Concerns about traffic impacts prompted a collaborative effort between NBC and Transport for NSW. A transport management plan is currently under development to address anticipated traffic flow and access changes around the two affected sites.
Looking Ahead
The approved expansion of St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why marks a significant investment in local education infrastructure, with staged construction progressing toward the 2030/31 operational target. Ongoing collaboration between planners and local authorities will focus on managing site access and preserving the area’s heritage character.
Published 19-June-2025