$3m repair bill at old school: Cables stripped, windows smashed, ceiling torn down

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Vandals have ransacked an empty Christchurch school building, despite the Ministry of Education spending $80,000 on security and fencing.

Cables were stripped, windows smashed, carpets ripped up and a suspended ceiling torn down at the former Shirley Boys’ High School site.

The vandals caused a $3 million repair bill at the old school site, potentially derailing plans for nearby Banks Avenue School to take over the property.

The North Pde building became empty when Shirley Boys’ moved to a new purpose-built school in New Brighton in May 2019.

A deal would have meant Banks Avenue School – which currently does not have a hall – could have used the gym, while sports clubs and community groups could have hired the venue and outdoor pitches in the evenings.

However, the mindless wrecking-spree could mean the property will be bulldozed, if the ministry decides it will cost too much to repair it to meet building regulations.

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