Supporting the Renewal of Educational Facilities In Ashburton

A Canterbury secondary school is planning for the future by maximising the value of its existing facilities through a staged refurbishment programme. Rather than constructing new buildings, the focus is on upgrading and modernising existing school blocks to improve weathertightness, enhance learning environments, address building deterioration, and refresh internal finishes.

Hampton Jones was engaged to provide quantity surveying services, preparing detailed cost estimates and budgets to support long-term investment decisions. Working alongside the wider project team, we helped evaluate refurbishment options and identify how available funding could be allocated most effectively across the campus.

Funding is expected to be released progressively over time, requiring refurbishment works to be carefully staged and prioritised. This approach required robust cost planning to ensure future upgrades could be delivered efficiently as funding becomes available.

There was also uncertainty around the condition of the existing buildings. Potential issues such as asbestos, mould, and hidden building defects could significantly impact project costs and influence future programme planning.

Hampton Jones worked closely with the project team to break the refurbishment programme into practical and manageable stages. Roofing works, internal upgrades, and building services improvements were separated into distinct work packages, providing greater flexibility for future delivery.

Drawing on experience from previous education-sector refurbishment projects, we incorporated realistic risk allowances for potential asbestos remediation, mould treatment, and unforeseen building conditions. This provided greater cost certainty and supported informed decision-making throughout the planning process.

Our cost planning and staged budgeting approach has helped establish a clear framework for future building improvements. By identifying likely project costs, funding requirements, and key risks, the school is better positioned to plan future upgrades and maximise investment in existing facilities.

The result is a practical roadmap for delivering building improvements over time while supporting long-term asset performance and creating enhanced learning environments for students and staff.

Services Provided

• Quantity surveying

• Refurbishment cost estimates

• Cost planning and budgeting

• Staged programme delivery planning

• Risk and contingency assessment

• Funding strategy support