94 | COMMUNITY St Hilda’s Collegiate: Stevenson & Williams Encouraging community connectedness The combination of the Chapel and Whitby Hall as large, adaptable spaces will increase the appeal of St Hilda’s as a venue for conferences, meetings and community events. T T from page 92 Louise says that one of the biggest challenges was being able to design a project that met the school’s needs in an affordable way. She says that the COVID-19 pandemic brought a risk of cost escalation but thanks to a great project manager, quantity surveyor and construction team, the project has remained on budget. “Project Manager Jamie Cargill of PPL, Quantity Surveyor Stefan Thorburn of Chas E George, head contractor Stevenson and Williams and St Hilda’s Property Manager Stephen Henderson have made a great team. “Their careful management of constructing a major project in the middle of the school has meant that the school has been able to continue without disruption. We’d like to acknowledge their expertise and support in making this project a reality.” Louise says the project will have wider benefits, encouraging community connectedness, which is important for emotional health and wellbeing. “The combination of the Chapel and Whitby Hall as large, adaptable spaces will increase the appeal of St Hilda’s as a venue for conferences, meetings and community events also providing some revenue for the school,” she says. “The school has a history of working with the community in this way, making the project an excellent opportunity to strengthen those connections. We’ve already had enquiries from all sorts of groups including a large conference booked for 2024 and smaller conferences throughout 2023/2024. Our inner-city location is desirable for event organisers and community groups.” A fundraising programme has been in place since 2018, and has included events such as art auctions, fashion events and gala evenings, and an online fundraiser was held in 2022, Louise explains. Ongoing fundraisers have been developed such as the Blue Ribbon Installation, and a Chapel opening fundraiser is planned for July. The St Hilda’s community has been very supportive of these fundraisers, with current and past families, Old Girls and businesses all contributing. Several families have made significant donations towards these projects and their support is deeply appreciated. COVID disrupted some of our fundraising plans, so the school will continue to seek support from our community over the coming years. “We are delighted to have received a Community Facilities Fund grant of $100,000 and appreciate the ongoing support of the Otago Community Trust who has supported several recent projects at St Hilda’s”. “Ever since we opened our doors in 1896, we’ve had one space to worship, come together and reflect, as one community. “The new, bigger Chapel, along with Whitby Hall, will allow us to bring the school back together, and an important tradition back to life. “It’s a very exciting project: the community is supportive and the school is excited. We can’t wait to get in there.” Proud to support St Hilda’s Collegiate contractorsv of choice Painters & Decorators JAMES WREN & CO LTD Proud to work with Stevenson & Williams on the St Hilda's Collegiate project 50 Carroll Street | PH: 03 477 9384 | www.wrens.co.nz EST 1896 • Painting, Decorating • ProgrammedMaintenance • Tiling • Textured Coating • Solid Plastering • Specialist Coating
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