A new primary school is set to be built in east Auckland to cater to the area’s growing population.
The Ministry of Education has acquired the three-hectare site at 121 Murphys Road, Flat Bush, for a future school which will cater for children in years 0-8.
A notice of requirement document prepared by Forme Planning in early 2023 for the Minister of Education on the project states it will feature “53 new teaching spaces, a multi-purpose space, as well as hard courts, outdoor playing areas, sports fields, car parking, pick-up and drop-off areas and associated landscaping, access and services”.
Sam Fowler, the ministry’s head of property, infrastructure and digital, says the school will be built to cater for 600 pupils initially.
“To support a possible 2026 opening date, we plan to appoint a design and construction partner next month who will then develop the design and build the new school.”
He says as part of the planning process the ministry identifies what ‘transport eligibility zone’ the school would be.
“Once this is identified, we then apply our school transport assistance eligibility criteria to see if there are students who would be eligible for school transport assistance such as a ministry-funded school bus service.
“We’re also in regular contact with the regional public transport authorities to update them on any upcoming school network changes.
“This gives them advance notice of any changes that may impact on their public transport services.”
Fowler says the ministry is not yet able to provide a forecast cost for the project.
At the Howick Local Board’s most recent business meeting, its members were asked to provide feedback on the notice of requirement.
On the subject of transport, the board said it supports the provision of adequate transport options for pupils, parents and staff, acknowledging the varied needs of people with disabilities.
It recommends sincere consideration be given to walking school buses and limited or no drop-off zone as part of the transport management plan to encourage the uptake of alternative transport.
“[The board] notes the existing safety and congestion issues … at the intersection of Murphys Road and Murphys Park Road and request the Ministry [of Education] ensure this intersection is signalised with provision for safe, controlled pedestrian crossings through to the proposed school before construction is completed.”
It opposes any vehicle entrance or access to the school from Murphys Road due to the high volume and risk factors associated with the road, and suggests a signalised pedestrian crossing be installed.
The board also wants a 30kmh speed limit in place around the school and suggests it have a drop-off area along a newly constructed road on the northern side. It wants to see walking promoted as the preferred mode of transport to schools.
The board supports the school on the condition its roll is not subsequently increased.
It encourages the ministry to ensure “there is sufficient field and other play spaces onsite to support the long-term roll target as there is limited public space in the vicinity”.
The board’s feedback includes that is requests all possible measures be taken to protect adjacent waterways from sediment and pollution and ensure sufficient planning for floodplain around the Otara Creek Tributary and effects on future buildings.
Its members also requested a thorough heritage assessment and consultation with local iwi be done prior to development.
