North Sydney Residents Clash with Shore School Over Expansion Plans

A prestigious boys’ school, Shore, has ignited controversy with its proposal to increase student enrolment by over 400 pupils.



While the school insists the expansion will provide greater educational opportunities, residents fear the influx of students will exacerbate existing traffic problems and create safety hazards.

Shore, which currently educates 1690 students, plans to boost its student population by 450 over several years. This expansion would involve 378 additional senior students and 72 more prep students.  However, residents in the surrounding area have voiced concerns about the potential impact on local roads, particularly during peak school hours.

Traffic Congestion Fears

Shore School
Photo Credit: MP10_0150-Mod-4

Peter Wilcox, a resident, described the current traffic situation around the school during pick-up and drop-off times as chaotic. He expressed concerns that the increase in students would worsen the congestion, making it “intolerable” for residents.  Other residents echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for increased traffic on already busy roads.

Student Driving Raises Safety Concerns

Adding to the traffic woes, some residents have reported students driving “recklessly fast” in “sporty cars,” raising concerns about pedestrian safety.  They believe an increase in student numbers could lead to more cars on the road and heightened risks for those on foot.

Parking Pressures

Shore School
Photo Credit: MP10_0150-Mod-4

Another point of contention is the potential strain on parking. Anna Howard, a resident, noted that off-street parking spaces are often occupied by students, leaving residents struggling to find parking in their neighbourhood. She described the situation as “almost intolerable” and worries that the school’s expansion will worsen.

School’s Response

A spokeswoman for Shore stated that the expansion plans were designed to consider the impact on the local community, including traffic, parking, heritage, landscape, amenity, and infrastructure. To mitigate some of the parking concerns, the school proposes to build 41 interim parking spaces on campus.



Traffic Modelling and Proposal Assessment

The school’s traffic modelling predicts a modest increase in vehicle trips during peak hours. The proposal, which modifies a previously approved concept plan, is currently being assessed by the NSW Government.

Published Date 20-Jan-2025