Fredericton’s Skyline Acres neighbourhood moves closer to a new elementary school replacing two aging facilities. City council voted on Monday to sell a 2.8-hectare parcel to the New Brunswick government for $1.49 million, enabling construction on the site.
School Replacement Plan
The province unveiled plans for the consolidated school in November 2023 within its 2024-2025 capital budget. The new facility will replace Forest Hill Elementary School and Liverpool Street Elementary School, located roughly one kilometre apart. The purchased land sits adjacent to Liverpool Street Elementary in Skyline Acres and includes two baseball fields plus a wooded area.
Key Agreement Terms
The deal mandates public access to the school’s playground after completion. It also grants the city first refusal on any surplus land not needed for the build.
Community Benefits Highlighted
Ward 8 Coun. Greg Ericson called the development a major win for local families. “This is a very exciting moment for the parents of Forest Hill Elementary School and Liverpool Street,” Ericson stated. “The plans for the new consolidated Liverpool Street School are excellent. Council approves them, and there’s a lot to be excited about in the details.”
Ericson emphasized reduced travel for students. “Kids living in the neighbourhood will be able to walk to school instead of taking a bus to a more remote location,” he said. “It also means spaces in the school potentially available after hours for the community to use.”
The councillor noted the Liverpool Street site will host the new playground. Premier Susan Holt recently suggested at a public meeting repurposing Forest Hill Elementary as an adult education centre. Construction timelines remain unclear.
