Multi-storey schools an option

Head of education infrastructure service Kim Shannon confirmed the ministry was considering using the 13.2ha property currently housing Bohally Intermediate School and Marlborough Girls’ College.

The ministry leased the Mclauchlan St property from Nga¯ ti Kuia.

Shannon said the ministry was looking at how best to use the whole site to ‘‘accommodate all three schools’’.

‘‘In looking at this site, we will be ensuring that Bohally Intermediate remains a critical part of the network,’’ Shannon said.

The ministry was not considering co-locating the colleges on the Marlborough Boys’ College property on Stephenson St, Shannon said.

The boys’ college property totalled about 9ha over two sites, including College Park on Redwood St. The ministry said in 2016 it needed 12-14ha for the colocation project.

Shannon confirmed the ministry was also considering multi-storey designs in its review of the options.

The ministry still preferred a greenfield site for co-location, Shannon said.

A Stuff post on Neighbourly and Facebook earlier this month called for possible site suggestions, and about half of the responses involved using Bohally.

Bohally Intermediate School board of trustees co-chairwoman Susie Glover said the board was prepared to ‘‘come to the table’’ on the idea, if the ministry asked it to.

‘‘We are unreservedly behind the college co-location, and we want it to happen. It’s in the best interests of our children. And if that means we have to play a part in it, we’re not fighting that. We’re very open to talking about it,’’ she said earlier this month.

Hipkins would take the ministry’s reviewed business case to Cabinet, and make a decision in mid-july.