Rejected Islamic college is reborn

New school ... Al Amanah College, Liverpool. Source: The Daily Telegraph
AN Islamic group whose plans for a school were rejected amid controversy last year has bought a new 7ha site just 7km away.

The Daily Telegraph understands the Chester Hill block of land, which already contains a school and live-in accommodation for more than 200 students, has been sold to Mohammed Mehio or his nominee for $23 million.

Mr Mehio is president of Muslim Community Radio, which is associated with the Islamic Charity Projects Association - the owner of the Al Amanah College, which already has campuses in Liverpool and Bankstown.

The school is connected to a fringe Muslim group called al-Ahbash.

There was a political storm last year when Al Amanah College purchased a site on Johnston Rd, Bass Hill, for $4.4 million with plans to build a school for 1200 students.

The college won two battles in the Land and Environment Court against Bankstown Council to build the school.





However, after community anger about noise and traffic, the State Government agreed to compulsorily acquire the land and build a school for 40 students with disabilities.

The Hector St site, sold last Friday, had been owned by the Southern Cross College of the Assemblies of God and was used by the Alphacrucis College. It is understood that the school can accommodate more than 3000 students and has facilities for 200 boarders.

A portion of the land also has development approval for the construction of housing for a 132-unit aged and disabled care facility.

Real estate agent Harry Bui from CBRE yesterday confirmed the site had been sold, however he said he could not reveal who the new owners were because of contractual obligations.

About 2.7ha of the property, with approval for the construction of the 132 units, was initially for sale, however the vendor decided to sell the entire 7ha after being made an attractive offer.

The land, once used as defence force barracks, also has a water tower and official residence.

Neither Al Amanah College principal Mohammad El Dana or Mr Mehio would comment yesterday.