Development to be great asset

An architect's impression of the $960,000 building development at St Clair School in Dunedin. The...
An architect's impression of the $960,000 building development at St Clair School in Dunedin. The white buildings are existing areas of the school. Graphic by Philip Gilchrist Architects.
A new $960,000 building development at St Clair School will be bigger than the sum of all its parts, principal Richard Newton believes.

"It's the sort of building that has a bigger impact than just more space. It's not simply more classrooms."

Construction began this month on a foyer which connects the school's two classroom blocks, and adds two new classrooms and a teaching and planning withdrawal space.

"In effect, we'll have the ability to come from classrooms into the area to work together.

"In the winter when the weather is poor, it's going to be an amazing asset. It's going to be like a large hotel lobby - quiet and warm where people can come together to learn and play.

"I think it's going to be unique. We'll find more uses for the space when it's completed. We won't realise its full potential until it's finished."

The building had the working name Manawanui - the big heart - but the final name would be decided by the board of trustees when it was completed in September, Mr Newton said.

The development was mostly funded by the Ministry of Education.

Under the One-15 initiative, the Government gave about $230,000 towards creating two new entrants rooms.

The school also had a shortage of space, so the ministry gave another $350,000.

Special needs funding of about $80,000 has also contributed to the development.

The remainder of funding was provided by the school, he said.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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