The renovation of Whangaparāroa School’s community hall is making good progress.
Work began towards the end of last year (HM March 4 and October 14, 2020) and the first phase is nearing completion.
The initial expectation was to re-open last February but unexpected challenges, such as dealing with areas of rotten wood, caused delays. The school now hopes to be using the refurbished hall by July (end of this term).
The work included a complete re-clad of the old and leaking original walls, and a brand new roof.
All windows and exterior doors have been replaced, new toilets installed and a covered accessibility ramp and entranceway built.
“The whole building has been repainted and is looking fabulous,” says school board member and hall project leader Helen Brown.
She says as often happens with projects of this nature, the school encountered challenges with rotten woodwork and replacement costs escalated.
However, she says so far the project has come in within its $780,000 budget.
“We are very excited that we are on track to open the hall again by the end of Term 2, and further, that we have future proofed the building for a good many years.”
The team is now focused on the second phase of the project, including the interior. This may include re-purposing old storage rooms for more effective use by the school and community.
“We are hoping to add a dance studio, music room and consulting rooms, as well as refurbishing the kitchen.”
It is expected that these spaces will make the hall a multi-purpose facility of even greater use to the wider community.
Helen says in order to undertake this further work, the school estimates it needs to raise on additional $150,000.
One-third of the hall is owned by the Ministry of Education, with the rest belonging to the community, so that’s how the costs are being shared.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported us in this significant project. In addition to a contribution from the Ministry of Education, we raised over $500,000 from community events such as the school gala, as well as from grants and donations from local businesses and individuals. We have been very lucky and are extremely grateful,” Helen says.
Info or to offer support: www.wgp.school.nz/shop or contact the principal, Kevin Cronin.
