Kaikorai Primary School redevelopment

We redeveloped Kaikorai Primary School over two years, including construction of a new 12-classroom block, gymnasium/hall, administration block, staff room, bathrooms, library and landscaping. We completed the project in six phases to allow the school to keep operating on the site, building the classroom block in two halves to allow the school to move in to the first half before we demolished existing classrooms and built the second half.

The scope increased mid-way through the project with addition of an administration and library building plus an extensive landscaping package. The siteworks were comprehensive due to the site’s topography and our demolition scope, with a timber perma-crib retaining wall, precast concrete terracing, basketball courts, car park, ramp, stairs, and the careful reconstruction of the school’s historic bell cairn. During excavations we uncovered the foundations of the original school on the site, built in around 1884, and worked with archaeologists to document and preserve the find.

Our team became firmly embedded in the school community, kicking the project off by running a safety poster competition and inviting the school to decorate the site hoardings, which we moved around the school as the project progressed. Later in the project we organised a tour of the site, gumboot throwing competition and sausage sizzle, providing a memorable day for both our team and the entire 300-strong student body.

We successfully completed the project on time, meeting exemplary quality standards. The Principal personally conveyed her gratitude for the level of workmanship and the positive interactions maintained throughout.