The community will get a chance to check out the plans for the new New Westminster Secondary School starting this month.
Round 2 of community consultation for the new high school begins on Thursday, Feb. 15 and runs until Thursday, March 15.
“We are really looking forward to this opportunity to unveil the design for the interior of the school and further connect with the community regarding their interests and considerations around remaining external considerations,” Karim Hachlaf, associate superintendent of schools for the New Westminster School District, said in a press release. “Significant work has taken place since we last consulted in fall 2016. We are well on our way to welcoming our students to a beautiful new school in September 2020.”
The school district is encouraging the public to attend one of two open houses or two small group meetings to see renderings and learn about plans for the school spaces including the grand commons (foyer), classrooms and collaborative learning spaces, cafeteria, library, workshops, performing arts and athletics. During the consultation process, people can provide input on outdoor spaces, pedestrian and cyclist access and amenities and student pick-up and drop-off areas and other items related to the project. They can also sign up for construction updates.
“The board is very proud of the design for the new school as it fully captures our vision and aspirations,” said Mark Gifford, chair of the board of education for the New Westminster School District. “Every space has been thoughtfully designed, with the needs of students, teachers and the broader community in mind.”
Materials, including a discussion guide and feedback form, will also be available at newnwss.ca starting on Feb. 15.
Community members are invited to attend an open house on Thursday, March 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both drop-in open houses are taking place in Fraser River Middle School’s gymnasium, 800 Queens Ave.
The school district is also holding small group meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Thursday, March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., with both meetings taking place in the school district office boardroom at 811 Ontario St. (next to Fraser River Middle School). Because space is limited for the two-hour sessions, people must register in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling 778-379-3310.
According to the school district, the $106.5-million project will be the largest school investment in B.C.’s history. Scheduled to open in September 2020, the new school will accommodate 1,900 Grade 9 to 12 students and will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Last December, the New Westminster School District and the Ministry of Education selected Graham Design-Builders with KMBR Architects Planners Inc. to design and build the new school, based on their proven expertise in this area, ability to deliver on time and on budget, and an extensive and thorough understanding of the project’s requirements.
“The school will be designed and constructed in two phases. Design of Phase 1, which includes most aspects of the new school, including teaching and learning spaces, visual and performing arts spaces, athletic facilities and administration space, is almost finalized, with the exception of some elements that may be revised based on input from this consultation,” said a press release from the school district. “Phase 2 includes deconstruction of the existing school, design and construction of the surrounding grounds and access, and design and construction of the memorialization area.”
