Construction company National Buildplan recently began earthworks  on the Lincoln Street site, with the Department of Education confirming the project is currently on track. 

The new state-of-the-art school will feature four home bases, a special programs room, hall, hydrotherapy pool, covered outdoor learning area, administration, library and car parking. 

“GS Kidd attracts students with special needs and what we’re trying to do with the new building is to meet future demands,” School Education Director New England region Ruth Dufty said. 

“GS Kidd has seen a gradual growth from three classes and at the moment there is four.

“The real benefit we’re going to have is that it’s going to have classrooms at the right standard and is purpose built.”

Parents and staff have had a say on the new building, forming a sub-committee that has been involved in the planning process. 

The group has visited Tamworth’s Bullimbal School For Special Purposes built two years ago to get an insight into how  the Gunnedah school will look on a smaller scale. 

“It has also allowed them to look at things they possibly don’t need and provide input into what their school will look like and what they need,” Ms Dufty said.

“There’s been a bit of flexibility there. For example they have had a good look at the car park and they’re working on making sure the new car park is the best it can be.”

The new GS Kidd School will be built on a 5000 sqm parcel of land that was already owned by the NSW Department of Education. 

Mrs Dufty said the school will greatly benefit the community as well as special needs students. 

The project is expected to take 11 months to complete, with hopes it will open its classrooms for the 2014 new school year.