UCOL Wairarapa has revealed plans for a new $300,000 Masterton complex to benefit budding tradesmen.
Now being constructed on a modest patch of lawn at the Chapel Street edge of the campus, the custom-designed 240 sq m automotive training facility will be built in the first stage of a Trades Centre
complex proposed for the area.
The concrete wall separating the campus from the road will come down during construction.
"During the design we have taken great care to preserve the historic monuments and mature gardens that are such a big part of the character of the campus," UCOL facilities manager Glenn Young said.
The automotive training facility will sit comfortably on the site but will still allow for further building extension.
Once the site of an old swimming pool, the lawn area has been a hive of activity since Oldfields contractors began demolition this week.
"We are working to a very tight deadline to get the facility up and running by the start of the 2010 academic year," Mr Young said.
"But we are confident it will be finished in time."
Campus manager Angela Hewitt said she was "very excited" to be able to offer UCOL automotive students a new training centre on the campus.
"The project is a tangible indication of UCOL's long term commitment to the Wairarapa community."
Until now, the automotive programme was operated from aging premises across the road. "The lease's expiry on the old property has provided the impetus to construct a facility more suited to our students' needs," Ms Hewitt said.
The building was designed by Palmerston North based E3 Architects with particular attention to the exterior aesthetics.
"The four berth workshop will certainly have street appeal when seen from Chapel Street," Mr Young said.
The building's design took advantage of "borrowed" lighting and passive heating where possible.
Hoists and other workshop equipment will be moved from the old premises for use in the new facility.
