114 | Marlborough Boys’ College COMMUNITY WE ARE AN EXPERIENCED MAIN CONTRACTOR WITH A LONG TRACK RECORD IN SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, INDISTRY AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS. 29 Birmingham Drive, PO Box 1055, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Ph: 03 338 5194 www.hrsconstruction.co.nz T T Karen Phelps Significant upgrades for college The school is now well into a multi-stage programme that will see much of the campus rebuilt or significantly refurbished. Above, Room 34 and 35 relocation. Construction projects at Marlborough Boys’ College are creating modern learning spaces that promise lasting benefits for more than 1,000 students and over 100 staff. After years of uncertainty over redevelopment plans Deputy Principal Michael Heath says the school is now well into a multi-stage programme that will see much of the campus rebuilt or significantly refurbished. “We were originally told we would be co-locating with Marlborough Girls’ College on a shared site, with both schools being rebuilt together,” says Michael. “When the Government changed direction, the decision was made in 2023 to remediate the schools on their existing sites instead.” He says the extensive programme is necessary because many of the existing buildings had reached the end of their useful lives and were no longer fit for purpose. The first stage of the redevelopment focused on learning support facilities transforming four basic classrooms into more modern facilities. “They had no toilets, kitchens or other essential services,” says Michael. “We upgraded the buildings, linked them together with a new laundry and toilet block, reconfigured the interiors and developed an outdoor edible garden.” Stage One also included a new roof for the library, installation of a modern heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, insulation upgrades and an internal refurbishment. The work, completed around a year ago, was carried out by local contractor Clarke Construction. Attention has since shifted to wider infrastructure improvements across the campus. A larger canteen has already opened, replacing a facility that struggled to cope with student demand. The new building includes expanded food preparation areas, three serving windows and outdoor space where students can queue and eat, with landscaped seating areas planned for the future. Other completed works include upgraded security systems, replacement of ageing hot water radiators and a diesel boiler with energy-efficient heat pumps and repairs to leaking underground water pipes. Another local company Robinson Construction is completing this stage. Construction is also well underway on a two-storey innovation hub that will become the school’s new technology centre. The building will feature workshop spaces on the ground floor with robotics, digital technology and theory classrooms upstairs. The project also includes a new separate building adjacent to the existing gym with new changing rooms and a fitness and weights area. Christchurch-based HRS Construction is leading the work, which is expected to be completed by the middle of 2027. Further stages will see the school’s main teaching blocks and performing arts facilities refurbished with new windows, relined walls, seismic strengthening and additional security upgrades. Science facilities are also receiving significant investment. Two laboratories were completely refurbished last year with six more due to be upgraded during the next phase. Visual arts, agriculture and horticulture facilities will also benefit from double glazing, internal improvements and upgraded outdoor areas this year. The campus is also being fully re-fenced, and future projects include a new school entrance and cultural hub. Alongside the building programme, the school is working with iwi partners to develop more balanced landscaping with an increase of native species. “That’s very exciting as well and ity will really change the feel of the school,” says Michael. He believes the investment will have a lasting impact on both teaching and learning. Some facilities are very dated, and we will now have new learning environments that are fit for the future. One of our school values is pride, so people will be proud of the spaces they are in and it will really raise the teaching environment for optimum learning.”
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