New school hostel wing opens
A $1.8 million wing at Timaru Boys’ High School hostel Thomas House was seven years in the making.
Construction on Peter Lewis Wing, which officially opened yesterday, began in April last year – but the idea to shift hostel living from dormitory style to flatting was sparked at a board meeting in 2012, principal Nick McIvor said.
‘‘It’s not our intention to increase the size of the hostel but replace parts of it,’’ McIvor said.
‘‘There’s year 13s already living in flats across the road. What this gives us is, it’s enabling year 12s and even year 11s to have more independence.’’
The wing was officially opened yesterday with a ceremony including a blessing, ribboncutting, and a tour of the facility.
Boarders would be moving in over the next two weeks, McIvor said.
The wing is 600 square metres and features 18 double bedrooms or 36 beds, communal kitchenette, a mudroom, two bathrooms with eight showers, a girls’ bathroom with one shower, and a selfcontained housemaster flat.
‘‘The inside is a fantastic area for boys to gather and socialise,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re very proud of the building, and for us it’s the first phase of longer-term building.’’
Some of the old rooms will be remodelled to resemble the new ones, while others will be demolished.
Money for the project came from ‘‘prominent individuals’’ and organisations, McIvor said.
The wing was named after the late Peter Lewis, its dominant funder.
‘‘His personal contribution was crucial in making this more than an idea, a pipe dream.’’
Funds have largely been raised through word of mouth, with no need to conduct a major fundraising project.
‘‘We’ve just been fortunate to have generous donors who have helped out.’’
McIvor felt it was important that the school offer a boarding option for aspiring students.
‘‘It enables families with a long-standing connection to the school to continue,’’ he said.
The hotel was established in 1913 when the school moved from its Cain St premises, where it had been since 1880. The last update to the hostel was about 20 years ago, McIvor said.