Tower block at Whanganui City College unlikely to be demolished this year while options explored

A decision on the tower is likely to be made in the first half of the year. Photo / Mike Tweed

A five-storey tower block at Whanganui City College is likely to stay standing for at least the next 12 months.

Last October, the Ministry of Education said four options, all of which included demolition, were under investigation “to align the building area with the school roll, while ensuring the school has the right type of spaces to deliver the curriculum”.

Ministry regional infrastructure manager for Central South, Kathryn Yorke, said a decision on a preferred option was expected in the first half of this year.

“Once a preferred option is confirmed, the project will be considered for funding as part of the broader prioritisation of property initiatives across the motu,” she said.

“It is unlikely demolition would occur in the 2026 calendar year, as other works to relocate functionality – such as specialist teaching areas – would need to happen first."

The block, built in 1979, was deemed earthquake-prone in 2023 but the ministry’s advisory group confirmed last year it could continue to be used while plans were developed.

Its low 25% New Building Standard (NBS) seismic rating was due to “secondary aspects” such as low-level external cladding panels.

“The main structure and foundations were found to rate above 67% NBS,” it said.

Speaking to the Chronicle last October, principal Eugene van Heerden said while demolishing the block would change the landscape, it was better to keep students safe in the event of a large earthquake.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily Whanganui District Council.