| 131 T T Bernadette Cooney College upgrade well underway Arrowsmith Builders of Tauranga has brought extensive experience in educational and commercial projects to the redevelopment, as its main contractor. Ōtūmoetai College: Arrowsmith Builders REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ōtūmoetai College in Tauranga is undergoing a significant multi-stage redevelopment, which will see nearly 90% of the college campus modernised into a future-proofed learning environment by 2029. These improvements will provide a more functional and modern learning environment for its 2035 students from Years 9 to 13, and the college staff. “From an aerial view, the school might look the same, but in terms of functionality and efficiency, these upgrades will make a world of difference for beyond the next 30 years,” says Ōtūmoetai College principal, Russell Gordon. Arrowsmith Builders of Tauranga has brought extensive experience in educational and commercial projects to the redevelopment, as its main contractor. “The way they’ve managed the project is exceptional,” says Russell. “Most of the school is unaware of the ongoing construction, and they’ve been incredibly accommodating – adjusting schedules around key events like assemblies to ensure minimal noise and disruption.” Among key facilities currently underway is the refurbishment of the administration block, which began in January and is expected to be completed by mid-May. Russell emphasises that a major challenge had been the lack of adequate meeting and office space, with staff often having to repurpose the boardroom for multiple uses. “Our pastoral care area for our deans was also a concern, with an open-plan design that didn’t allow much privacy for conversations with students,” says Russell. By reconfiguring the space with partitioned bays, students can now have confidential conversations without anyone in the broader space being privy to their discussions. “I consider it a health and safety aspect, where students deserve a level of privacy, which the old space did not offer.” Another key improvement involves better access to the Performing Arts Centre (PAC), which serves as the school’s hall for assemblies, prize-giving, and performances. Previously, visitors had to take a long U-route through the school to reach the venue. The new administration building will be next to the Performing Arts Centre, providing a straight thoroughfare from the main entrance to the arts centre – a convenient improvement for visitors, particularly in the evenings. “When we have performances, the students can access the PAC from inside the school, and the student office can become a ticketing booth that parents can go through on their way to the Performing Arts Centre.” The current refurbishment of the administration block represents stage 1B, which follows the development of three new classrooms for the school’s Te Whare Māori department. The second stage will involve constructing a 10-classroom block, while the third stage will focus on refurbishing the existing Nelson Block of classrooms. In 2018, the Ministry of Education allocated $47 million for the construction of two, three-storey buildings housing 57 classrooms. However, due to land suitability issues, those plans had to be revised. Instead, the MOE has adopted a phased approach to ensure Ōtūmoetai College still benefits from significant infrastructural improvements. “We are fortunate to see these upgrades progressing,” says Russell. “Upon completion, 90% of the school will have had an upgrade that will be no more than five years old.” 0800 ARPLUS www.arplus.nz ASBESTOS REMOVAL INTERIOR PLASTERING PAINTING & DECORATING BLACK MOULD REMEDIATION AND TESTING DEMOLITION p. 07 543 2481 www.tpc.net.nz Plumbing Gas Fitting Drainlaying Civil Drainage Underfloor Heating Central Heating Rainwater Harvesting Proud to support Arrowsmith Ltd & Otumoetai College
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