By Grant Brown
Property Manager
The WGHS Event Centre is in the final quarter of construction and the building is really taking shape.
This is the biggest and most expensive project the school has undertaken in its history. We are very grateful for the dedicated team within the school and the contractors involved in its completion. We, like many other construction projects around Auckland, have been delayed through Covid-19 and delays in obtaining materials from overseas. At this stage we are looking for completion in July and an official opening ceremony in August. There is an amazing array of technology, IT and audio visual equipment left to configure and commission, so we are working hard to be ready in time for our first event!
The power is now on in the building and the lift is commissioned. Over the next few weeks the contractor plans to finish installing the giant heating and ventilation systems, complete the balustrade, bench seating, internal painting, and control room, concrete the loading dock, lower the platform areas and commence laying of the floor coverings. The outside foyer cladding has been completed but there has been a delay in the foyer glass installation. The contractor has provided external coverings to allow the foyer painting and ceiling to continue.
Two weeks ago I had the privileged of hearing our Head of Music, Fiona Wilson, sing on the new stage for the first time. Fiona has a beautiful voice and the acoustics were amazing. I must admit there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The school is really looking forward to the opening of this centre and to the years of pleasure it will bring to the students, staff and the community in general.
We are about to launch an exciting new way you can support our Event Centre – we will email our parent community in the very near future – watch this space!
