Richmond High School Bini Dome replacement project information booth

The project is currently in the design phase, and will include demolition of the school’s Bini Dome and then improvement of the area where the Bini Dome once stood.

An information booth will be in place at Richmond Branch Library on Wednesday, February 14, from 1.30pm until 2.30pm. This will be an opportunity for the community to find out more about the project, and provide feedback.

The New South Wales Department of Education has been gradually replacing Bini Dome structures at schools across the state.

The department’s website states the new multipurpose facility will be designed to accommodate additional temporary seating for flexible use, and the existing car parking will be retained.

“A photographic record of the Bini Dome will be taken and displayed in the new multipurpose facility. The Bini Dome will be removed only after the new multipurpose facility is operational,” the website states.

The funding has been allocated from the state government’s Restart NSW program.

The architect for the project is Sydney-based company Peddle Thorp & Walker.

The new facility is forecast for completion in mid 2019.

According to Fairfax Media archives, the Richmond High School Bini Dome was erected in 1977 when 300 tonnes of concrete and steel were "blown up like a balloon," using compressed air. 

The technique was formulated by Italian architect Dr. Dante Bini. It took three hours to pour the concrete and one hour to inflate the dome.