The start of a new school year has brought more progress on the redevelopment project at Wellington Girls’ College. We have taken this as an opportunity to provide you with an update on where things are at on the WGC campus.

The temporary classrooms that were brought onto the site in late 2021 have now been granted a Certificate of Public Use (CPU). These spaces have been in use for a few weeks, giving us a better location for the exercise room and PE/Health classes.

We are continuing with enabling works across the project including the installation of a new lift on the south side of Brook block to replace the lifts in the Tower block. Originally, we predicted this would be completed during the Christmas break, however COVID delays mean it will be brought into full operation at the end of the first week in April.

Since we have returned from the Christmas break you may have noticed some obvious changes across the school site:

• Pipitea construction is progressing, bringing the addition of footings for a new wall and ramp system to access the building from Brook block. The structural work has just commenced, with the fitting expected in May. The Staffroom will move into this space once work is completed, which will mean Tower is then empty
• Work is also underway to provide stair access to Pipitea block at the south east end of the atrium, with installation of the structural steel for the stairs and access into the block. The redevelopment design includes a solid timber staircase and fire rated walls as part of the evacuation plans.
• Modifications to the new ramp access to Pipitea block at the Brook block end has started.
• The asbestos removal and internal strip-out in the Tower has been completed on the unoccupied floors, with more internal demolition delayed until the Tower is fully vacated in July. We have also postponed the plans for full demolition of the building to post exams 2022, to avoid disruption. This will allow the project to run concurrently with the design of the proposed new Ahumairangi block. The demolition of the Hall has been completed, providing a demolition platform for the Tower block.
• Student toilets have been completely refurbished in the Brook block basement; the design for the staff toilets on Level 1.5 in Brook have been issued and work is planned for April, to bring these up to modern standard.
• The Design stage for the main build is progressing to include a replacement hall, teaching spaces and options for roll growth.

We need to acknowledge the patience of staff and students as we work through all of these changes. The site is often noisy and we know it has been an extremely challenging work environment for everyone. The school has been really accommodating as the contractors try to work as quickly as they can so that any delays in the next stages are minimised.

As always, WGC are meeting regularly with the Ministry of Education as we work together on the redevelopment project and will provide you with regular updates as the project progresses. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we develop a plan for a better school environment.