The APP Group awarded manufacturing partner contract on NSW government school program

Plans are currently under way for over 30 new and upgraded schools under the new Manufacturing for Schools program, which the NSW government says will deliver cost and construction time savings of up to 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

The new program employs “modern methods of construction” and links a network of industry professionals via a manufacturing partner. The latter is responsible for connecting a supply chain delivering a “kit of parts” for new and upgraded schools, according to a statement from the NSW government on Thursday.

Modern methods of construction include “digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements”.

Property and infrastructure business The APP Group has been awarded the manufacturing partner contract, with over 30 new or upgraded school projects identified. 

The program will also help rebuild schools on the North Coast damaged by floods, as well as “the majority” of 100 public preschools across the state that were recently announced, according to the release.

State minister for education Prue Car said that the program represented a major shift in delivering new schools and facilities/

“This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population, while getting better bang for taxpayers’ buck,” said Car.

“In challenging times like natural disasters, the program’s speed and efficiency will ensure a swift rebuilding process, allowing us to reinstate the schooling routine for affected students and families promptly.”

As an example of the speed offered by MMC, a recent “stage two” upgrade at Oran Park Public School, which reopened to students this school term, was cited. The upgrade was installed on site in eight weeks and took a total of 13 months from design to completion.

Picture: Fern Bay Public School pavilion learning hub, opened in 2021 (credit: modern methods of construction gallery, School Infrastructure NSW)

Further reading

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