Neutral Bay Public School

  • Description Green-Star contemporary learning
  • Location Neutral Bay
  • Sector Learning
  • Sub-Sector Education, Environmental
  • Specialties Additions, Heritage, Live Environment, New Build
  • Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
  • Delivery Method Design and Construct
  • Client School Infrastructure New South Wales
  • Architect Design Inc
  • Photographer Brett Boardman
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Neutral Bay Public School welcomed more than 800 students to the 2025 academic year following the completion of a major upgrade that delivered new contemporary learning facilities alongside carefully planned heritage restoration.

The new building provides collaborative and contemporary learning spaces that align with the Education Facilities Standards Guidelines and support the evolving needs of students and staff. The new building also successfully achieved a 5-Star Green Star rating, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

The site holds significant historical and cultural importance as part of the traditional lands of the Cammeraygal people. Consultation with Uncle Dennis Foley, a respected community elder, guided the selection of the sandstone-coloured façade. Inspired by local outcrops, aquifers, and caves across Sydney’s North Shore, the façade establishes a deep cultural connection between the school and its surrounding landscape.

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Working in a live school environment required careful construction staging to minimise disruption and prioritise safety. Works were coordinated around daily school operations, maintaining uninterrupted learning and secure access for students and staff.

The new three-storey building includes 7 new classrooms, 3 new learning commons and multipurpose spaces, a library, a canteen, administration, and staff offices. Upgraded sports courts and playground facilities further enhance the student experience.

Heritage restoration formed an important component of the works, with the conservation and refurbishment of Building A, originally a Federation Queen Anne style building constructed in 1886 and Building B, an Inter-War Functionalist style building constructed in 1924. Original features were carefully retained and restored under the guidance of heritage consultants, ensuring the preservation of the school’s historic character while improving functionality.

The completed upgrade provided Neutral Bay Public School with modern, sustainable facilities that honour its cultural and historical context while supporting the educational needs of its growing community.

Timelapse

A full‑build timelapse capturing the school’s transformation from first excavation to final handover.

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Hear from our Industry Partners…

Aaron Moran
Senior Project Manager, John Staff

Grindley’s performance during the works was ultimately proactive, well communicated and collaborative. Given the nature of the work requiring the fitout and modification of existing heritage buildings, Grindley’s thorough and flexible approach led to better project outcomes. Particular reference is made to the creation of large structural openings to Building A that were ultimately constructed, maximising the opening size whilst optimising the amount of required structural steel. Grindley’s ability to work within live environments is also to be commended. During the project program the school was required to decant in and out of 5 of the 7 existing buildings on site. Grindley was accommodating in assisting with these decants and coordinating works to suit. Additionally, all works were completed with minimal disruption to the operations of the school. Particularly disruptive works such as demolition works were coordinated around key school events (such as NAPLAN testing).