AEH Retirement Living will build the Camden Central Lifestyle Estate over two buildings on the site of the old Camden High School, 68km west of Sydney, which has sat empty for 16 years.

The site, which was built on top of an old gasworks, has been the subject of hot debate in the community in past years. The old school was moved in 2001 after dangerous substances were found on the grounds.

AEH CEO Michael Rabey told the Wollondilly Advertiser that the site will undergo intensive remediation, with each building cleared by hand by a specialist team.

“That part of Camden is in dire need of activation and rejuvenation. I think it will be a great outcome for residents and the Camden community once everything has been dealt with once and for all,” he said.

It hasn’t deterred buyers either – the first stage of 30 apartments has already sold out.