142 | New space for students, community Rangitikei College’s new, purpose-built performing arts space will house a drama room, dance studio and outdoor performance courtyard. Rangitikei College: Performing Arts Space T T Bernadette Cooney “We’ve had our conventional school hall for performing arts, but we needed a more purpose-built facility.”, COMMUNITY Rangitikei College in Marton is soon to unveil a new, purpose-built performing arts space, complete with drama room, dance studio and outdoor performance courtyard. Transforming the school’s arts programme, and adding an asset for the broader community, the upgrade is part of the school renewals programme that was kick-started with Education Ministry funding, with additional contributions from the school budget, says college principal Tony Booker. “We’ve had our conventional school hall for performing arts, but we needed a more purpose-built facility,” says Tony, who has been at the helm of Rangitikei College for nine years. Catering for over 300 enrolled students, the new centre is set to be a significant asset, not just for the school, but for the entire rural community. “In a small town like ours, facilities of this type are few and far between, unlike the cities, so I’m sure it will be well utilised,” he adds. For the first time, students will have a professional-grade environment complete with a stage, lighting, curtains, and high-quality acoustics - far beyond what the school hall setting could offer. The facility’s design is integrated with the existing hall, which now includes indoor-outdoor functionality, with large doors opening out into a courtyard, allowing for performances that seamlessly transition between the interior and exterior spaces. “It includes a stage area with sophisticated lighting and sound system plus a lift for wheelchair access to the stage,” says Tony. The functional and innovative arts space includes changing rooms, a green room and ample storage. The design includes high acoustic ceilings, internal lighting tracks, and mirrored walls, catering to a variety of artistic disciplines, including dance. Building contractors were Houghton Gemini Pepper Construction of Whanganui, who had also refurbished the college technology block two years ago. “They’ve been very accommodating and proficient, minimising any disruption to the school schedule and student life,” says Tony. The build project was project-managed by WPS New Zealand. The architectural vision behind the project was led by Gerald Cogan and Raj Patel of BSM Group Architects of Whanganui, whose team has extensive experience in educational buildings, having completed over 4000 school projects in the last 35 years. “We consulted closely with the school’s arts department and the brief was to keep within the existing footprint of about 300sqm and convert the old dreary spaces into modern, open-plan performing spaces with acoustic fidelity and connection to outdoor spaces,” says Raj. The brief also required internal connection to the existing staffroom on one side and the hall on the other. “Also, staff toilets were redesigned to include a disability-accessible toilet, and work included the removal and replacement of existing low-pitched roofing for new high-level roofing and an exterior verandah extension.” Raj adds it was a pleasure to collaborate with all parties involved in the arts space renewal, including the school’s administration and the project’s talented sub trades.“We made a formidable team and that is reflected in the quality and delivery of the project, on time and on budget.” • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • EARTHQUAKE STRENGTHENING Cnr Hinau and Rogers Streets, PO Box 489, Whanganui Phone 06 344 5087 Mob 027 438 4211 Email: office@gempep.co.nz Rangitikei College Performing Arts Project Working together to create great learning environments 33 Ridgway St, Whanganui 4500 PO Box 886, Whanganui 4540 (06) 345 8112 wanganui@bsmgroup.co.nz
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