18 | Cromwell College: Alaska Construction T T Aimee Wilson College celebrates new learning spaces “These upgrades will improve the school’s ability to accommodate growth and enhance the learning environment.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Ministry of Education’s first major redevelopment work at Cromwell College since the creation of the Clyde Dam was officially opened in mid-March. Alaska Construction has just completed stage 1 of the project, which involved the construction of a new, seven-room teaching space, technology block, and the refurbishment of existing spaces. That included converting the current technology block into general learning spaces, and providing modern facilities that better support students’ learning needs. “These upgrades will improve the school’s ability to accommodate growth and enhance the learning environment,” says Sharon Wong, programme manager - capital works school property. The college opened in 1978, and originated as a temporary school made up of relocatable buildings to accommodate students from the families working on the construction of the hydro project in the 1980s. A master plan for a full campus redevelopment involved the replacement of many of the existing poor-condition buildings at a cost of $11 million. Sharon says while this was the first major redevelopment project led by the Ministry, the school has undertaken property upgrades and maintenance over time. “These have been funded through its base rate capital funding and property maintenance grant. Additionally, a portacom block was installed before the new technology space as part of a roll growth project.” Sharon says the technology block has been completed on schedule, and the school is now beginning to occupy the new spaces. On March 20, the school celebrated the opening of its new spaces with a whakawātea, cleansing and blessing of the area to make it ‘tika’ for everyone to use. Led by Matua Darryn Rewi, the karakia was then performed by tumuaki/principal Mason Stretch, and Māori Pou Hadley. The school has described its new space as a true taonga for its students/ kura: “A beautiful environment where our students can learn, grow, and ignite their passion for technology.” Students are enjoying the space, the abundance of light, the functionality, the wairua and the sense of calm within the building. The art and technology block was a 13-month project, and work is now being completed on the food technology room, set to open at the beginning of Term 2. The community will be welcome to the official opening and naming later next term. Cromwell College is also upgrading its gymnasium under a separate project through the Ministry of Education, funded under a different allocation of $758,000. The refurbishment includes new floor coverings, upgraded plumbed fixtures, and compliance-related improvements, and is 95% complete. The college community has its own beautification projects happening to enhance the new spaces, including new outside tables and murals. P.O Box 109 Cromwell 9342 | email mayplumb@xtra.co.nz | visit www.mayplumbing.co.nz
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