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Mahurangi College principal David Macleod hopes the school’s S Block renovation will be completed by November.
Mahurangi College will start its fifth and final leaky building project this month.Renovation of the school’s S Block will round off the $6 million fix, which has run over the course of two years. Classes have been held in prefabricated rooms during the work.
The S Block repair will involve re-cladding, as well as a new roof design and better materials to prevent leak issues.
Asbestos sheets located in the roof will be removed during the July holidays to keep children away from the material.
Mahurangi College principal David Macleod says this process has been done before when asbestos was removed from the old hall during its renovation.
Part of the work will involve reinforcing the foundation with concrete, as the block sits on soft soil and small movements have caused the lift to get stuck part way up. A new lift will be installed as part of the build.
Mr Macleod says although the S Block work is now two months behind schedule, he is happy with the standard of work from the contractors, Legacy Construction.
“Ideally, we would like the project finished by the start of November in time for the end of year exams,” he says.
“Otherwise, we will need to use E Block which would have some administration implications.”
David says it’s been an enjoyable process made easier by the work of the Board of Trustees.
“Everyone has been so good about relocating classes and seeing the bigger picture. I haven’t had one complaint from a parent.”
Meanwhile, the school will start a $40,000 renovation of its media department in September.
This will include a 4×4 metre green screen, soundproof audio recording booth and investment into quality video equipment.
“Media is just getting so much bigger at the school,” Mr Macleod says.
Next year, the school hopes to have Ministry of Education approval for a renovation on its sports department. The project will include making the area between the new and old gym two storey.
Mr Macleod says the project requires a growth in the college roll, but he is confident that with its steady increase construction will start next year.
The project will be done in two stages. The first will involve creating a circuit room to replace the old weights room and two upstairs physical education classes.
The second stage will involve renovating the upstairs office and the lower changing rooms.
“It’s going to be phenomenal,” he says.
In addition to these projects, the art block was recently revamped and there are plans to add another storey to A block.
