| 29 T T Kim Newth Campus refurbishment under way Design work for a new two-storey block housing science and a student support centre at Invercargill’s James Hargest College is complete and consent ready. Southland: James Hargest College REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Interior and • exterior Residential and • commercial Roof spraying • Wallpapering • Free quotes • “No job too big or too small + we have a builder in the team!” Phone Dean • 027 698 7111 • 03 236 1902 Email • deanbpainter@icloud.com RES I DENT I AL & COMMERC I AL PH 03 215 9208 CELL 0274 346 012 | 0274 346 009 A/Hrs 03 2130 811 or 03 213 1575 18 Arena Avenue | Invercargill • Drainlayers • Plumbing • Roofing • Registered • Bathroom & Kitchen • Renovations Craig Brown 54 Liddel Street, Invercargill 9810 PO Box 6004, Invercargill 9841 Phone 03 214 9015 Email info@cbbuilders.co.nz www.cbbuilders.co.nz Mobile 021 759 787 Quality Workmanship Guaranteed A project to redevelop and modernise the junior campus at Invercargill’s James Hargest College is now well underway. Under the project, existing classroom blocks are being remodelled to create new break out spaces and a new standalone toilet block is being built. As well, a veranda is being added in front of classrooms to provide new covered space for students, suitable for lunch breaks or outdoor learning. “What we’re trying to do with this redevelopment is increase our learning spaces for students and create flexibility so groups can move around when needed,” says college principal Mike Newell. “Having more modern toilet facilities will also provide a big boost for the junior campus.” Over the summer break, works continued on the first block as well as the new toilet block. “We would hope that the bulk of it will be done sometime early in the first term. Construction work for the second block will follow by the end of February.” To support year-round sport and PE activities, artificial turf has been laid outside the Year 7 and 8 classroom blocks. Cricket pitches have also been renewed for both the juniors and seniors. A new carpark and landscaping has further enhanced the junior campus area. Looking ahead, Mike says major capital works are planned for the senior campus, where many of the school’s original 1960s buildings are in a deteriorating state. “Three-quarters of our senior classes will be fully rebuilt or refurbished over time. Our ageing B Block will be the first one to be replaced – design work for a new two-storey block housing science and a student support centre is complete and consent ready. “The original budget for this project was $16 million but it will likely come in at $22 million or more and is subject to the next Ministry capital works funding round.” There are four stages of development in the capital works’ masterplan. The second stage includes the potential rebuilding of E Block (14 classrooms) as well as upgrading or replacing the Technology Block. A new performing arts centre - with an amphitheatre, four teaching spaces and recording studios - is planned for the third stage. The fourth stage will involve the administration block and F Block, to be fully replaced. “The new spaces will be in line with the need to have single cell classrooms but “We would hope that the bulk of it will be done sometime early in the first term. Construction work for the second block will follow by the end of February.” provide flexibility of modern learning and teaching needs and provide bigger spaces. The designs are pretty exciting. “We are also wanting to have a cultural narrative through the buildings: we have worked with Waihōpai Rūnanga on local significance and history to put alongside James Hargest’s history. That’s all pretty exciting as well.” The significant programme of works will set up the college well for a bright future as it continues to foster student success. James Hargest College currently has a strong roll and anticipates starting the 2024 school year with around 1850 to 1900 students.
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