8 | HRS Construction - Elmwood Normal School T TKim Newth A ‘really cool project’ at Elmwood School The new, two-storey Rimu block has eight teaching spaces. Christchurch’s Elmwood Normal School is forging ahead on post-earthquake redevelopment, with HRS Construction’s team proudly leading the rebuild on the ground. In August 2024, Elmwood opened a new, two-storey block called Rimu, with eight teaching spaces. Another new block – Matai, now taking shape alongside Rimu Block – is on track for completion by mid-2025. Situated in Merivale, with beautiful grounds, Elmwood caters for Year 0-6 children, and is committed to empowering lifelong learners. At the heart of the school’s vision is their mission statement: ‘Striving to be the best we can be.’ Elmwood has been working closely with the Ministry of Education on the redevelopment plans, funded through the Christchurch Schools Rebuild (CSR) programme, which was set up after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The masterplanned redevelopment, which is transforming the campus, aims to positively support current and future teaching and learning practices with modern, flexible facilities in line with the school’s culture and core values. Prior to construction of the new Rimu Block, enabling works were carried out including demolition of two pre-existing blocks that were no longer fit for purpose. The HRS Construction team then set to work on the new block in 2023. “We were lucky enough to work with the Ministry of Education and value engineer that first build, and they have allowed us to do the second block as well,” says HRS Construction director Andrew Marshall. “The Ministry of Education’s delivery team and the school have shown real foresight in the design approach. Matai will be very similar to Rimu – another modern, two-storey, eight-classroom block. Once it’s all completed, the two blocks will be connected by an air bridge on the first-floor level. Outside will be lovely, terraced decking where students will be able to sit and have lunch. It is a really cool project.” Unlike greenfields school developments, school rebuilds/redevelopments tend to be slower and involve multiple buildings over a period of several years. “We are involved in a number of primary school rebuild projects like this across Christchurch, at Thorrington, Shirley, Fendalton and also Kirkwood Intermediate. Our site management staff will talk daily with the principal and staff about what’s happening at the school and on-site, so there are no surprises.” HRS Construction’s site manager works with the foreman, carpentry and contract team, and is in turn supported by the company’s contracts manager. Robust QS delivers tight cost control and financial oversight. Weekly checks ensure any risks are identified and managed appropriately and progress on-site is audited on a monthly basis. “We’re on a journey together,” says Andrew. “It is incredibly rewarding to get to the end of a project like this and see the students coming through and enjoying the new facilities. We know that these buildings will be serving students for generations to come.” Along with education-sector projects, HRS Construction has a busy forward programme in 2025, including electrical substation work, medium-density housing, health projects, a new church build on a winery site, and the restoration of iconic Cuningham House in the Botanic Gardens. “As interest rates come down, owners and investors are starting to look at the opportunities and deciding the time is right to build.” Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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