| 121 T T Nicki Woodlock Growing school enjoys new spaces The modern learning environment includes three flexible breakout rooms that can be opened or closed as needed, a toilet block, a full kitchen, and a central meeting space. COMMUNITY Flat Bush School: Watts & Hughes Phase One of Flat Bush School’s new development is now complete, delivering five stunning new learning spaces. Ōtara-based Flat Bush School, led by Principal Banapa Avatea since 2016, caters to Years 1–6 with a roll of around 420–450 students. Steady growth between 2017 and 2019 saw the school outgrow its facilities, forcing classes into temporary prefab portacoms, two resource rooms, and even the library, due to limited classroom space. Ōtara and its surrounding suburbs have seen rapid population growth, with new housing developments driving increased demand for larger school facilities. The school applied to the Ministry of Education for funding in 2019 to build new classrooms, due to the growth in its roll. The development marks the largest in the school’s history since its founding in 1954. Designed by Ignite Architects and built by Watts & Hughes, the new single-level block features five teaching spaces. The modern learning environment includes three flexible breakout rooms that can be opened or closed as needed, a toilet block, a full kitchen, and a central meeting space. Outside, a pergola and deck overlook the sports fields, creating a relaxed social meeting space. “The new block has become the centre and heart of the school,” Banapa declares. Banapa and the school community were able to contribute their ideas to the new design. “We had lots of meetings with the Ministry of Education, Ignite Architects — led by Ryan Dughie — and visited other schools to get ideas. We thought about how this new building would complement what we had and improve outcomes for our children. We wanted breakout rooms, a music studio, a multipurpose kitchen space for food technology, space for hard technology, and more storage. “The whole process was really enjoyable. We had a voice and were able to be heard,” Banapa adds. Watts & Hughes delivered the build, overseeing all subcontractors, with Site Manager Gerard Chambers leading the project. “We got used to having their team around. They gave us weekly walk-throughs. We had a nice working relationship. We saw it slowly coming together. They felt like part of our school. It was sad when they left as we got to know them really well,” Banapa says. The new development enables the school to accommodate future population growth while greatly enhancing its pride and appearance. The new buildings have also provided a cultural hub for the Samoan, Cook Island, Fijian, Indian and other ethnic groups at the school. “All of the school makes use of the new buildings. The design allows for multiple uses at the same time. “We use the canopy areas as a space for awards. The back deck and pergola are often packed with families watching sport on the field, and we also hold all of our staff meetings there,” Banapa adds. From 2026, Year 7 students will move into the new complex, followed by Year 8 in 2028. The block will also host a Samoan bilingual pathway class, with other cultural groups exploring bilingual pathway options as well. If required in the future, Phase Two of the project will involve demolishing five old 1970s prefab classrooms and constructing a new two-storey block with six classrooms. “The whole process was really enjoyable. We had a voice and were able to be heard,” Wilsons Construction is a small, skilled team with a big focus—building lasting relationships and structures you can trust. From major commercial projects to our own mid-sized builds, we deliver quality carpentry and concrete work every time. daniel.wilson@wilsonscp.co.nz wilsonsconstruction.co.nz
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