Brook Block Handed Back To Wellington Girls’ College In Major Redevelopment Milestone

Wellington Girls’ College has today reoccupied the upgraded upper levels of Brook Block, marking a major milestone in the Ministry of Education’s wider College redevelopment programme being delivered by Crown Infrastructure Delivery (CID).

The Brook Block upgrade is a key part of seismic strengthening and modernising the building while allowing the school to continue operating.

David Hobern, Ministry of Education Programme Manager, Capital Works, Wellington, says the milestone reflects the Ministry’s commitment to delivering safer school environments.

“Brook Block was originally built in the 1940s, with two floors added in the 1990s. These upper levels have now been seismically strengthened, with a new warm roof added and the windows replaced. New ceilings, flooring, acoustic wall linings and improved lighting will help make the spaces safer, warmer and fit for purpose as part of the school’s redevelopment.

“Doing this in a live school environment takes real coordination. CID, LT McGuinness, the structural engineers and the wider team have done a great job of working closely with the school to keep things moving and minimise disruption.”

John O’Hagan, CID Chief Executive, says handing the building back in time for Term 2 is a satisfying moment for everyone involved.

“After five months of physical work, it’s great to be going from construction back to classrooms. Around 35 tonnes of structural steel has been installed across the upper levels of Brook Block, with more than 35,000 hours of work completed by over 240 people from a wide range of trades. It’s exciting to be at the point where staff can get back in and start making the spaces their own again.”

The Brook Block upgrade sits within an approximately $36M programme at the College for new teaching and administration spaces, a replacement school hall, removal or relocation of modular and endoflife prefabricated buildings and restoration of the school field.

Principal Julia Davidson said the handover is a welcome step forward.

“Brook Block is an important part of our school, and it’s exciting to have these learning spaces returned, strengthened and refreshed. It has been a big project to live alongside, and we really appreciate the care that’s gone into managing disruption and keeping our staff and students informed.”

Work on the next stage of the redevelopment is expected to begin during Term 4. It includes removing end-of-life prefabricated buildings and relocating some modular buildings to their permanent locations on site.

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