Now that the 2025 school year has begun, and we have had building updates for Broadwater Public School and four Murwillumbah schools, the Lismore App went in search of an update for Blakebrook Public School and Richmond River High Campus.

If you are not aware, the NSW Government has sought lower-cost and faster building solutions for many schools that were impacted by the 2022 big flood. Prefabricated pieces were the answer.

In September 2024, the state government said the Blakebrook PS project would deliver an elevated building supported by a flood-resistant steel structure.

The school will be raised above the ground, creating resilience against possible future inundation from flooding. The first floor will include four new classrooms, a new library, canteen and school administration areas connected by undercover walkways.

The ground floor will feature amenities and an undercroft play space for students, as well as new landscaping.

The offsite manufacturing of the school modules was 85 per cent complete, and fabrication of the steel gantry, which will support the modules, also began.

It was November 7 when students and staff turned the first sod as the ground work was taking place.

Fast forward three months, the first prefabricated pieces were put together like a box of lego last week.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said, “Following the NSW Government’s use of the Reconstruction Authority to accelerate Blakebrook Public School’s planning approval, the fast-tracked rebuild is progressing well, with the school due for completion during Term 2, 2025, subject to weather and site conditions. 

“The delivery and installation of modules is a two-stage process. The first phase took place on Wednesday 5 February, which included the installation of the administration facility, library and lift shaft. The second phase will include the installation of the classrooms, canteen and plant room, which is anticipated to be completed this month. Following the installation of the school building, we will complete the internal fit out and external landscaping.

“The Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus rebuild is also progressing, with the tender out for the principal contractor after designs were released to the community in the second half of last year.

“Site rezoning and planning applications are also underway. We will continue to update the community as the project progresses.”