Construction of the major redevelopment of Gillieston Public School has reached a significant milestone, with structural work on the main school building now complete.
The project remains on track to welcome students and preschool children from Day 1 of Term 1 in 2027.
The redevelopment is replacing the school’s existing demountable facilities with permanent classrooms and a broader range of modern education, recreation and student-support spaces.
Main school building takes shape
The concrete and steel structures of the new three-storey school building have been completed, along with the installation of the final roof sheets.
Work has now shifted to the internal fit-out, including the installation of joinery, windows and doors, as well as electrical and plumbing services.
The steel framework for the new school hall is also in place. Upcoming work will include installing its roofing, internal wall sheeting and other interior elements.
Construction of the co-located public preschool is further advanced, with internal joinery and service connections completed or nearing completion. External decking and remaining finishing works will continue over the coming months.
The existing school is remaining operational throughout construction so teaching and learning can continue on the site.
35 permanent learning spaces
Once completed, the redevelopment will provide 32 new modern classrooms and three dedicated support classrooms.
The permanent facilities will accommodate more than 730 students and significantly increase the school’s capacity to respond to enrolment growth in Gillieston Heights and the wider Maitland area.
The project will also deliver:
- A new library
- A new hall and canteen
- Out-of-school-hours care facilities
- New administration and staff areas
- A covered outdoor learning area
- New and upgraded sport and play spaces
- Lift access and covered walkways
- Upgraded bus, drop-off, parking and bicycle facilities
- New landscaping and a yarning circle
The existing demountable buildings will be removed after the new facilities open, followed by final landscaping works.
New public preschool for local families
The redevelopment includes a new public preschool with capacity to support up to 120 children each week.
The preschool is one of 100 new public preschools being delivered across NSW by 2027 as part of the state’s expansion of public early childhood education.
Its location alongside the primary school is intended to provide families with a more connected pathway between early learning and formal schooling.
Enrolment information is expected to be provided to the local community approximately one school term before the preschool opens.
Responding to growth in Maitland
The redevelopment is intended to address long-running pressure caused by population and enrolment growth across the Maitland region.
The NSW Government says recent growth rates indicate Maitland may exceed its previously projected population of 144,500 residents by 2041.
Other planned education infrastructure projects in the area include an upgrade of Thornton Public School, a new primary school and early learning facilities in Chisholm, the relocation and expansion of Maitland Grossmann High School and a new public preschool at Tenambit Public School.
The Gillieston project forms part of the NSW Government’s $9.2 billion school infrastructure investment in the 2026–27 Budget, including $2.3 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
Next phase of construction
The next stage will focus on completing internal finishes and building services in the main school building, progressing the hall and finishing the preschool.
Work will also begin on the staff car park and remaining external areas.
Construction began in July 2025 and is forecast to be completed in early 2027, with the upgraded school scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2027 school year.