Graham Design-Builders LP with KMBR Architects Planners Inc has been awarded the contract to design and build the New Westminster Secondary School replacement project.
The 22,000 m2 (236,000 sq. ft.), three-storey facility will include formal education components (general classrooms, inclusive education classrooms and science labs), career technical education spaces, a performing arts component and physical education facilities. The scope of work of this contract also includes a separate maintenance and IT building that will serve the entire school district.
The state-of-the-art school will accommodate 1,900 grade 9 to 12 students with flexible learning spaces to maximize collaboration and active learning, including cutting-edge technology and multi-purpose spaces. It will also meet today’s standards for modern learning (focusing on transparency and diversity of learning opportunities), safety and accessibility.
Designed to achieve LEED Gold, the school will also meet today’s standards for modern learning, safety and accessibility, and incorporate the latest sustainable energy management systems.
The site of the new school is adjacent to the existing operational facility, which will remain fully operational throughout construction. The project team will implement a specific construction and logistics plan, taking into account this situation. The day-to-day schedule will need to be adapted to ensure construction doesn’t interfere with the student experience at the existing school.
Construction will start in early 2016 with the project scheduled for completion in May 2020. The new school will open to students in September 2020.
The Province of B.C. announced funding for the replacement of New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) in June 2016. The $106.5 million project will be the largest school investment in B.C. history.
“The board is confident that the proposed design will provide the most inspirational and accessible environment to educate New Westminster students now and in the future,” said Kelly Slade-Kerr, chair of the board of education for the New Westminster School District.
