118 | BUILDING Watts & Hughes Construction: Albany School T T Kim Newth School transformed by inspiring project The new courtyard in front of the new block provides a central hub. “It feels like a new school, and our teachers and students have the room and resources they need.” It is now almost a year since the opening of Albany Primary School’s new two-storey, 20-classroom teaching block – a remarkably positive development for the school’s teachers, 800 pupils and the wider community. Watts & Hughes Construction, which managed the entire design-and-build for the Ministry of Education, delivered not just a flagship project, but a memorable journey that has left a lasting impression. Highlights for the school included events like a competition to name the largest crane on-site, students having an opportunity to walk on-site and learn about the sustainable materials being used, Watts & Hughes’ sponsorship of ice blocks for a cross-country event, and a tree-planting day. “From start to finish, their professionalism and understanding of the additional safety procedures required for such a significant construction in our functioning primary school was no mean feat,” says principal Maree Bathurst. “Watts and Hughes Ltd were also committed to including our learners, staff and community in the whole design and construction process.” The school’s old junior block was well past its use-by date by the time it was finally demolished in 2022. This block had ‘extra rooms’ tacked on over the years, resulting in ongoing leaking roof issues and a disjointed layout of classrooms. In 1977, the school had a roll of 165 students, and at its peak in 2020 this had increased to a roll of 875. The intensity of this rapid roll growth had put mounting pressure on the school’s resources and infrastructure. Fast forward to 2025 and it’s a very different picture. The new junior block, designed and built in step with modern learning needs, and with two new sports courts out front, now lies at the heart of a reinvigorated school that’s moving ahead with pride. “It feels like a new school, and our teachers and students have the room and resources they need. Everything is safe, welcoming and highly functional,” says Maree. “We have a number of students who do not speak English; now we have two dedicated ESOL classes to support them. We also have two multi-purpose maker space rooms for creative activities from painting to cooking. “Our beautiful new courtyard in front of the new block provides a central hub where we can bring the whole school together. It has been such a success. This whole project has ticked so many boxes.” The Ministry of Education appointed Watts & Hughes Construction to manage the entire design-and-build, including demolition of the school hall to make way for the new block. Leading architecture and design practice Jasmax, whose team is highly experienced in education sector projects, was selected as their design partner. This project shows what can be achieved through exceptional teamwork and positive partnership, underpinned by unwavering respect for the client – in this case, a school. “Jasmax [Callum Dowie] had such vision too, and really did listen to us.” Watts & Hughes project director, Lance Doyle, says Albany Primary’s new block drew on learnings from past school-build projects. Streamlined and efficient design-and-build processes ensured strict budget constraints were met. Natural ventilation and effective thermal design is a feature of the new block, built with sustainability in mind. Lance says the new block meets and in some cases exceeds all Ministry of Education technical standards. “Most importantly, this was more than just a build for us. Our construction site became a learning centre for the school, too. The children loved putting on hard hats and being taken through the building site. We make it fun and interactive. Planting days and talking about sustainability are a big focus for us, too.” Meanwhile, the school has more exciting developments ahead this year, with Watts & Hughes preparing to return shortly to start construction of a new hall. Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r r ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth
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