Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited new Richmond Agricultural Centre, set to deliver world-class education in agriculture and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education.

Co-located with Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury campus and catering for approximately 360 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, the centre will feature modern classrooms, five science laboratories, farming facilities, a greenhouse, multipurpose hall, canteen, administration areas and a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA).

This major milestone follows the Minns Labor Government’s acquisition of a new site after the previously announced location, chosen by the former Liberal and National Government, was found to be contaminated and unsuitable for agricultural education.

Richmond Agricultural Centre will relocate from its current temporary facilities at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury campus to the new permanent site when it opens on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The centre will continue to operate in partnership with Richmond High School, providing students from across Western Sydney with access to the extensive resources, facilities, partnerships and programs already in place at the university.

Agricultural STEM selective students and Agricultural STEM specialty students will attend the centre three days per week and Richmond High School two days per week, creating opportunities to develop practical skills in cutting-edge agricultural and STEM practices and to collaborate with industry experts, educational institutions and agricultural organisations.

The project forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across NSW, including $3.9 billion allocated to Western Sydney. Alongside building new facilities, the Government is also addressing workforce shortages, with teacher vacancies in NSW public schools reduced by 61 per cent since 2022.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the start of construction marked an important moment for the school community.

“This is a major milestone for this school community. We thank them for their patience while we secured a suitable site that will serve students well into the future,” she said.

“The Richmond Agricultural Centre will be a game-changer for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the agricultural industry. We are pleased to be delivering this world-class facility.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the project demonstrated the value of strong links between secondary and tertiary education.

“The new Richmond Agricultural Centre will have a strong focus on transitional farming practices between urban and regional areas, which is vital for food security and economic development,” he said.

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said the new centre would improve access to high-quality education for local students.

“The new centre will make it even easier for students in the Hawkesbury to access world-class agricultural and STEM education,” she said.

Richmond Agricultural Centre Principal Kristine Beazley said the project represented a significant step forward.

“Today marks a key step towards delivering a much-needed, purpose-built facility that supports our students’ futures and strengthens our links with industry, TAFE and university partners,” Ms Beazley said.

“It’s fantastic that we will soon have a new permanent home for our school and we can’t wait to see construction progress.”