The old NAB building, on the corner of Beaumont and Donald streets, in Hamilton, could have a new life as an alternative school under plans lodged with City of Newcastle.
Margaret Jurd College (MJC) proposes to turn the former bank building and commercial offices into a 48-student, dedicated year 12 campus, for children who have struggled in traditional classrooms.
The first MJC learning centre began at a pub in Carrington in the 1980s. Now, the college has two campuses, one in Shortland and the other at Tuncurry, and is looking to make Hamilton its next base.
Documents lodged with the development application say that MJC provides tailored education to students with complex needs, many of whom are re-engaging after disrupted experiences in traditional school settings.
"This new campus reflects the college's mission to deliver flexible learning and vocational opportunities in a safe, structured and professionally supported environment," a statement of environmental effects (SEE) said.
"The establishment of a Margaret Jurd College Hamilton campus reflects a social need of the community.
"It also provides opportunities, due to its location in an active urban centre, for innovation and collaboration with existing surrounding business for further training and employment opportunities for students of the college."
If approved, the Beaumont Street campus would deliver the NSW Stage 6 curriculum, enabling students to achieve the Higher School Certificate, along with nationally-recognised VET courses in subjects such as disability support, early childhood, aged care, youth work and classroom support.
MJC also delivers employability skills such as a white card, RSA and RSG.
The SEE said the school's approach supported students to finish their senior secondary education while gaining qualifications for further training or employment.
The SEE said the Hamilton location was already embedded in the community and provided the potential for mutually beneficial opportunities with nearby businesses.
"This will be particularly important for students who have historically been marginalised and disadvantaged in society," the SEE said.
"The proposed development will activate a currently unused site and will deliver social benefits through the provision of education and training at an accessible location."
Some year 11 students may be at the school taking part in Stage 6 learning, but typically only 20 to 25 students will be on campus at any one time.
The $250,000 plans would include internal changes to transform office spaces into classrooms, create a staff room, office and reception area, and some minor external works to the car park, and adding fencing.
Six teachers would work at the school, which is a ministry of the Uniting Church in Australia. The land is owned by the Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust NSW.
School days for students would run from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 3pm, sometimes later for supervised projects or VET sessions, and teachers would be on site typically until 5pm.
The Newcastle Herald has contacted MJC for comment.
