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A long overdue repair of leaky buildings at Mahurangi College will be finished this month after three years of construction.
The school’s S Block is the fifth and final stage of the $6 million project funded by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The original finish date for the build was last November, but work was delayed for a number of reasons.
Mahurangi College principal David Macleod says the builders have been good to work with though the delays have been frustrating.
“We were forced to change our plans making it particularly difficult for our school show,” Mr Macleod says.
“Like any big project, there are often delays and ours included waiting for consents and materials.”
The S Block layout and appearance has remained similar, but a large amount of materials have been upgraded.
New cladding has been applied, the roof redesigned and foundations stabilised.
Previously, the foundation was subject to movement, which caused leaks, poor drainage from the rugby changing rooms and the elevator to jam.
“It’s now a smarter facility for our students to use but most importantly, it’s watertight.”
The elevator has been replaced, as well as water damaged framework, internal cladding and ceiling panels.
The Board of Trustees contributed funds to install LED lighting as a more efficient choice than the original lights.
The only major change to the building layout sees the Year 13 common room turned into a dance studio, with dance now offered as a subject choice.
“It would be nice to have the room as a dual-purpose space for dance and the senior students, but we are still looking at our options.”
A number of other building projects are on the horizon to cater for Warkworth’s growth and improve the school’s facilities.
The foremost is a $40,000 upgrade to the media department, which is awaiting funding for equipment.
The old gym has been refitted with LED lighting and a school sporting honours board placed in the foyer. New windows to increase natural light are on their way.
“We have an architect drawing plans to build a circuit room attached to the old gym and renovate upstairs into two classrooms, but are still waiting for the green light from the MoE.”
Mr Macleod says the number of students is expected to double by 2030. To cover this growth, the school is looking at putting a second storey on its A Block.
“But this will be a way down the track.”
