Box Hill Terry Road New Primary School and High School

MBM Project Lead

Autumn Lu

Client Name

School Infrastructure NSW

Sector

Timeline

2023 - 2028

Project Value

$220m

MBM Project Team

  • Heather Cheng
  • Stella Guo

Services Provided

MBM has been appointed to provide comprehensive quantity surveying services across Phases 0 to 9 for the Box Hill Terry Road New Primary and High School development. Our engagement spans the full project lifecycle, from initiation through to completion, ensuring robust cost management and strategic advisory throughout.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Delivering detailed cost estimates and value engineering inputs at each planning stage to support budget control and value-for-money outcomes, in alignment with the NSW Government’s infrastructure commitments.
  • Preparing pre-tender estimates and undertaking rigorous reviews of consultant fee proposals and the Main Contractor’s tender submission.
  • Providing ongoing financial oversight through monthly cost reporting, cashflow forecasting, and post-contract services including assessment of progress claims and variations.

Currently in the Concept Design Phase, MBM is working collaboratively with the design and project teams to explore vertical stacking strategies and optimise spatial efficiency. These efforts are focused on maximising the scope of deliverables within a fixed budget, supporting School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) in achieving its educational and operational objectives.

Project Background and Scope

The proposed development at Box Hill Terry Road Primary and High School is intended to address the growing demand for primary and secondary school teaching spaces, driven by significant population growth resulting from greenfield developments and transport infrastructure investments in the North West Growth Area (NWGA).

The project involves the co-location of a primary school (including a 60-place preschool) and a high school on a single campus. It includes the construction of a new 1,000-student primary school of up to three storeys, a 1,000-student high school of up to four storeys, and a shared hall building. The proposed masterplan is a two-stage plan. The potential future construction of Stage 2 is to expand the high school to 2,000 student – a large high school – another 1,000 students in a five-storey building.

The construction of the temporary primary school is nearing completion as of July 2025, while the temporary high school is scheduled for completion in February 2026.

Project Challenges

The Box Hill Terry Road New Primary and High School project presents a unique set of challenges requiring strategic cost management and design coordination. Operating under a fixed budget set by the NSW Department of Education, the project must balance cost efficiency with additional scope requirements, including temporary school facilities and public domain works. The inclusion of a co-located hall serving both the primary and high school introduces potential interface complexities, necessitating clear scope delineation and operational planning. Site constraints further compound delivery risks—existing and future road upgrades impact built form setbacks and access strategies, while the absence of Council stormwater infrastructure, potential flood risks, and a significant topographical fall of 8 to 11 metres demand bespoke engineering and drainage solutions. In parallel, the project must align with the NSW Government’s Net Zero emissions target by 2050, embedding sustainability measures that contribute to long-term environmental performance. MBM continues to work closely with the design and project teams to address these challenges through proactive cost planning, stakeholder engagement, and value-driven design optimisation.

MBM Solutions

To navigate the multifaceted challenges, MBM adopted a proactive and collaborative quantity surveying approach from the outset. During the masterplan and concept design phases, MBM developed detailed cost estimates for a range of stacking and staging scenarios. These estimates enabled the project team to assess the financial viability of each option and ultimately select a design solution that aligned with the fixed budget set by the NSW Department of Education.

Recognising the importance of value-for-money outcomes, MBM prioritised value engineering workshops involving key design consultants and stakeholders. These sessions facilitated informed decision-making, allowing the team to refine scope elements, optimise spatial efficiency, and mitigate cost pressures without compromising educational functionality. Throughout the design development process, MBM maintained close coordination with the project team to monitor the cost implications of evolving design options, ensuring continuous alignment with budgetary parameters and strategic objectives.

To reinforce the accuracy and credibility of its cost advice, MBM benchmarked against comparable School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) projects, drawing on sector-specific data to validate estimates and support robust financial planning. This benchmarking not only strengthened stakeholder confidence but also provided a critical reference point for managing scope expectations and identifying opportunities for cost optimisation. Through this integrated approach, MBM has played a pivotal role in guiding the project toward a deliverable, compliant, and value-driven outcome.