New training facility for UCOL Wairarapa

New training facility for UCOL Wairarapa

A modest patch of lawn at UCOL Wairarapa will soon accommodate one of the Masterton campus’s most exciting recent developments.

A custom designed 240 sq metre automotive training facility will be built in the first stage of a Trades Centre complex proposed for the area.

“During the design we have taken great care to preserve the historic monuments and mature gardens that are such a big part of the character of the campus,” says UCOL Facilities Manager Glenn Young.

The automotive training facility will sit comfortably on the site yet still allow for further building extension.

Once the site of an old swimming pool, the lawn area will be a hive of activity as construction begins this week. “We are working to a very tight deadline to get the facility up and running by the start of the 2010 academic year,” says Glenn. “But we are confident it will be finished in time.”

Campus Manager Angela Hewitt says, “We are very excited to be able to offer our automotive students a new training centre on the campus. The project is a tangible indication of UCOL’s long term commitment to the Wairarapa community.”

Until now, the automotive programme was operated from aging premises across the road. “The lease’s expiry on the old property has provided the impetus to construct a facility more suited to our students’ needs,” says Angela.

The building was designed by Palmerston North based E3 Architects with particular attention to the exterior aesthetics. “The four berth workshop will certainly have street appeal when seen from Chapple Street,” says Glenn.

The building’s design takes advantage of ‘borrowed’ lighting and passive heating where possible. Hoists and other workshop equipment will be moved from the old premises for use in the new facility.

ENDS

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