Director of Catholic education for the Sandhurst diocese Paul Desmond said the six to eight hectare site, behind the Huntly Pub on Rennie Street, could eventually cater for up to 350 students.

Once purchased, the site would have to be approved for use as a school by the City of Greater Bendigo, meaning the new school opening could be four to six years away. 

Mr Desmond promised a “beautiful, state of the art school” that would service the region’s fast-growing northern suburbs, but did not disclose a development cost. 

Neighbouring Catholic primary schools – like St Peter’s, North Bendigo and Holy Rosary, White Hills – were “heavily serviced” and the demand for a new school was apparent, he said.

A secondary school was not presently required, according to Mr Desmond, buth the Catholic education department was always considering future needs.

Recent census data complied by the City of Greater Bendigo showed a higher growth in Catholic and non-government primary schools than government schools in the region over the past five years.

“We’re offering a product and service that people are attracted to,” Mr Desmond said.

“Our schools do well but so do the government schools.”

The new school master plan would be revealed in due course, he said.