$26m redevelopment for Takapuna Grammar School begins

Takapuna Grammar School in Auckland is set to start a major redevelopment worth $26 million that will vast improvement to the school's digital learning spaces.

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye says the redevelopment includes restoration of the school's main block, as well as upgrades to the buildings' interior and redevelopment of the existing technology block.

"This $26 million project will see the restoration of the school's 90-year-old main block, which is regarded as a heritage icon by the school and local community," says Kaye.

"I'd like to acknowledge local MP Maggie Barry, who has worked with the school on its property issues," she says.

"It's great for the school and for Auckland that the heritage value of the iconic main building has been recognised," Adams adds.

Adams says the redevelopment has been designed to strike a balance between restoration and modernisation. The main block's striking brick facade and parapets will continue to be a landmark feature of the school site, whilst the building's interior will be upgraded to provide improved functionality.

Once it's restored and strengthened, the main block will contain 20 revamped learning spaces, as well as an upgraded administration area and adjoining hall.

The redevelopment will see two new learning spaces added to the existing technology block.

Adams says the project is expected to take around 30 months to complete.

"This is a complex project which has required a fair amount of planning, so today is an important milestone," she explains.

"With the main block out of operation, a lot of learning is taking place in relocatable classrooms, but most of these will be removed once the main block is back up and running," Adams adds.

Adams says upon completion of the project, the school will have 65 learning spaces in total, with the vast majority designed to support an innovative learning environment.

"This means the learning spaces will be flexible, to support different ways of teaching and learning, and they will have high standards of acoustics, lighting, heating and ventilation," Adams explains.

"They will also feature the latest IT infrastructure to support digital learning," she says.

"The redevelopment of Takapuna Grammar School is testament to the Government's commitment to invest in improved school facilities across New Zealand.," Adams says.

"Over the last seven years, we've invested more than $4 billion in school property maintenance, growth and modernisation. This is more than a 30% increase on the previous seven years.