The shovel was taken up by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, who secured state government funding in this year’s budget.

Mr Toole said the school had been waiting 30 years for the new facility.

The new gym will include a fitness laboratory, two classrooms, a seminar room and amenities, while the performing arts centre will boast banked seating and state-of-the-art lighting.

The facility will meet energy efficiency requirements and support the development of the school curriculum.

Hines Constructions has been awarded the tender for the facility – another example, Mr Toole said, of supporting local businesses.

“I’m pleased the minister [for education] Adrian Piccoli saw the need for it immediately on being elected in 2011,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s a project that has been overlooked for more than 30 years. 

“It is a reflection of the determination and commitment of many people who never lost sight of achieving this outcome.”

School principal Geoff Hastings anticipates construction will take around 18 months – 12 months of which will be spent on the gym.

“It will make a huge difference in the lives of the students day to day, building on the capacity of the school to deliver the physical education and health syllabus across the whole college,” he said.

“Students from both campuses will use it for joint curriculum projects.” 

Denison College principal Craig Petersen added that the college also has very strong links with Bathurst TAFE, and the TAFE could potentially use the new gym and performing arts centre as well. 

“The size of the performance space is unique, so if community groups want something more intimate, then this facility is ideal,” he said.

“It will also be very versatile, with the potential to be used for a range of different functions.”

Hines Constructions managing director David Hines said the Bathurst economy will benefit.

“We hope to employ as many local people as possible,” he said.