The state-led Frenchs Forest 2041 Place Strategy and Northern Beaches Council’s Hospital Precinct Structure Plan require that The Forest High School be relocated from its current site.

A new site for The Forest High School is required to facilitate the development and transition of the area to become a strategic centre introducing 5360 additional dwellings and 2300 new jobs. Accordingly, School Infrastructure NSW identified and acquired a new site for the school’s relocation to the corner of Allambie Road and Aquatic Drive in Allambie Heights. This relocation will see the school’s capacity increase significantly from 800 to 1500 students.

The site covers an area of about 45,000 square metres. It contains the remnants of the Country Children’s Hostel, later known as the McLeod House. Part of the site was destroyed by fire in 2007 and following this the premises fell into disrepair, with approval issued for its demolition in 2012.

Designed by Architectus, the new education facility will feature state-of-the-art and contemporary teaching facilities. Student and staff spaces are visually connected to nature and are oriented to take advantage of expansive district views to the south and east. Raked roofs are proposed in the library and visual arts units to take advantage of additional light and significant views where they will be most beneficial.

Protection of the natural environment, including retention of the most significant collection of trees and highest biodiversity values on the site have been a key consideration. While it would be ideal to protect every mature tree onsite, the significant area protection zone requirements and site constraints that limit options for the placement of a sports field require the removal of some mature trees.