The new entrance to Taree High School dominates the architecture of the heritage building in Albert Street and is part of a major NSW government project to improve facilities.

A refurbished administration area, a new lift, awning, paving and signage are part of the project and the cost is something the NSW Department of Education did not disclose in response to questions from the Manning River Times.

“It looks like the Commonwealth Bank ...”, “very striking but not attractive at all ...”, “A beautiful old building ruined ...” are typical of community comments about the completed project.

The NSW Department of Education did not reveal its cost - instead choosing to point to the fact that it was part of a four-year program to improve public schools - and acted to defend the design and colour of the new Taree High School entrance.

A spokesman advised “the design of the project, including the colour of the entrance, was developed in consultation with a Project Reference Group, a heritage consultant and the school community.”

“The colour selected for the entrance complements the school’s existing branding, utilising a colour that appears within the school’s logo, on student uniforms and school stationery.

“Overall, the aim of the project is to improve the physical environment and aesthetics of the school for students, staff, visitors and the wider local community.

“The school’s facade and the entrances will be made more visible and attractive as a result of the changes being made, providing improved way finding and access into the school’s entrance.”