Flynn Primary School P&C Association has welcomed a commitment from the Chief Minister Jon Stanhope to retain the Flynn Primary School facility and grounds.
Responding to a caller on ABC 666 talkback this morning about whether the government was committed to keeping the Flynn Primary School building and grounds, the Chief Minister said ‘Well I don’t think it’s ever been in doubt’. He also said that he is ‘determined to protect the school and the environs to the greatest extent possible’.
According to Roger Nicoll, President of Flynn Primary School P&C, the announcement brings some certainty after three years of doubt and confusion over the future of the site.
“The low point for the Flynn community was the 2007 Purdon report on the future use of the site, which recommended demolishing the building to make way for housing regardless of the strong community opposition to that,” said Mr Nicoll.
Mr Nicoll welcomed the Chief Minister’s comment that it had never been in his contemplation or put to him in discussion that Flynn school would be demolished or its grounds turned over for housing.
“It is very good news to hear that the government never supported the Purdon recommendation for Flynn, instead recognising the heritage significance of the building and grounds and their importance to the Flynn community,” said Mr Nicoll.
Mr Stanhope, who is also ACT Heritage Minister, said that although he couldn’t pre-empt the decisions of the Heritage Council, he would be stunned if the site doesn’t receive heritage listing. He added that even if it didn’t receive formal recognition of its heritage value by the Heritage Council, the government recognises its heritage significance and will protect it.
“This is great news, as our community has been working hard to secure the building and grounds as a school and multi-use early childhood, childcare and community centre,” says Roger Nicoll.
“Designed by Enrico Taglietti, the school building is much cherished by our community, and the grounds are an important part of the natural setting intrinsic to its design. The grounds are also the only flat open space in the entire suburb,” he said.
“Today’s announcement by the Chief Minister gives the Flynn community a sound basis for moving forwards with a community taskforce targeting the future use.”
