| 119 T T Emma Bailey Gym renovation creates excitement The redevelopment will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, she says, that supports the delivery of physical education. Opihi College & Timaru Construction COMMUNITY Set to be enjoyed by generations of students to come, the Opihi College gymnasium is undergoing a major refurbishment scheduled to be ready at the end of the year. This is the final stage in what has been an extensive amount of redevelopment at the Temuka high school since 2019. The major, multi-million-dollar staged redevelopment has been to upgrade infrastructure, including new teaching spaces, a wharenui, new turf and solar panels, and now the gymnasium. Principal Kirsten Stevens says one of her personal highlights has been seeing the excitement from students as the gym has taken shape, with Timaru Construction carrying out the project. “Projects like this are about more than just bricks and mortar – they represent the future of the school. Knowing that current and future generations of Opihi students will benefit from the facility makes the journey incredibly rewarding. “It has been great to see the progress being made, particularly with the installation of new joinery. The next stage we’re looking forward to is the new exterior cladding, which will really start to change the look of the building,” Kirsten says. The redevelopment will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, she says, that supports the delivery of physical education. “It will significantly improve the quality of learning spaces available to our students, increase the capacity for multiple activities to occur at the same time, and provide a safer, more functional environment for both staff and students. “It is a significant investment in the well being, participation and opportunities available to our students.” Preserving the Past. Building The Future. 16 Redruth Street, Timaru T: 03 684 7053 E: admin@timaruconstruction.co.nz W: www.timaruconstruction.co.nz When it comes to adding value to a client’s vision NB Architects is at the forefront. We are passionate, innovative and focused on delivering a result that identifies with your project’s goals and ambitions while creating a landmark that stands the test of time. email: admin@nbarchitects.co.nz phone: (03) 684 7918 nbarchitects.co.nz Proud to support Opihi College & Timaru Construction PO Box 166, Timaru 7910 | Phone 03 684 8440 Proud to be associated with Aorangi Homes menzies.group@xtra.co.nz 0800 102 324 Proud to be associated with Opihi College & Timaru Construction “Projects like this are about more than just bricks and mortar – they represent the future of the school. Knowing that current and future generations of Opihi students will benefit from the facility makes the journey incredibly rewarding.” Kirsten says staff and students have coped well with the construction. “Like any major redevelopment, there have been some disruptions along the way, but our staff and students have been incredibly adaptable. Everyone has shown patience and a real sense of teamwork while we have worked around temporary spaces and changes to routines.” NB Architects were behind the design for the comprehensive interior refurbishment and exterior re-cladding to modernise and enhance the facilities. The interior upgrade was designed to include dedicated spaces, such as a weights area, a new office for the head of department and additional storage facilities to support the school’s sporting programmes and activities, NB Architects managing director, Josh Newlove says. “A key feature of the refurbishment is the addition of FLOC panels on interior walls, specifically designed to improve acoustic properties within the gym,” Josh explains. “These panels are creatively designed to reflect the natural beauty of the local environment, with motifs representing the mountains and the ocean – an homage to the school’s proximity and connection to nature.” The exterior re-cladding will not only update the building’s appearance, but also improve insulation and durability, ensuring a sustainable and visually appealing facility, he says. “The design integrates the school’s colours throughout, fostering a sense of pride and identity within the school community. “This project aims to create a modern, functional, and inspiring space that supports health, fitness, and community engagement at Opihi College, ready to serve students and staff for years to come.”
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