Octa was engaged in 2014 to work with the Board of Trustees on a new Events Centre to replace the original 1958 school hall. Octa managed the procurement process to appoint the design team, working with the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders to develop the briefing document.
A master programme was developed for the entire project from concept stage to construction including important funding, MOE approvals, client review, consent processes and cost estimate milestones.
Construction was commenced in later 2019. The project timeframe was protracted due to Covid-19 lockdowns and was finally completed in September 2021 after the Auckland lockdown.
The new building is adjacent to the existing music rooms on the site of the old school hall and will provide Theatre facilities. With seating for 1,350 people, and a large stage with flexibility to adapt to different uses. The ground floor seats 952 students, and the mezzanine 374.
With a current roll of 2,300 students, the new centre can seat at least half the school. But its usage is extensive and includes dinners, corporate events, workshops, and conferences for the wider community. It also features a large stage, glass foyer, back-stage space, and percussion room - perfect for music, drama and dance performances, assemblies, ceremonies, alumni events, and parent information evenings.
Backstage there is a large percussion room that doubles as a teaching area and green room when needed. The large foyer area also provides students with multiple uses such as a senior student study space, exhibition area or function space.
