Salisbury School students are starting Term 3 in a brand-new classroom block, marking the first completed stage of the school’s major rebuild and refurbishment.
Principal Ellie Salčin-Watts says staff are already impressed with the new spaces and the difference they will make for learning.
"Our teachers have already had a look through, and everyone is so impressed. They can see what a difference it is going to make for our students’ learning. Every part of this building has been thought through with them in mind, right down to the lighting and the acoustics.
"We're so grateful to everyone who has been part of making this happen, and we can't wait to welcome our students in. To see the classrooms finished is a significant milestone and incredibly exciting," Ellie says.
The purpose-built block, designed by Nelson’s Redbox Architects, includes three classrooms catering to small groups of six to seven students, a shared breakout space, and a new office for the deputy principal.
The design focuses on the needs of Salisbury’s students, with soft natural lighting replacing fluorescent lights, acoustic treatment reducing noise, and layouts minimising visual distraction for those who find busy environments overwhelming. Lockable storage throughout also supports a calm and safe learning environment.
Each classroom features specially commissioned artwork and branding created for Salisbury School, helping build a sense of identity and place alongside new furniture chosen specifically for the space.
The classrooms were constructed by Nelson’s Fitzgerald Construction, a specialist in modular school buildings. The structure was built off site at its Stoke facility before being transported and completed on the Salisbury School grounds.
Work is continuing across the campus. The existing whare and gym are part of the day school facilities and will be refurbished into activity and therapy spaces, as well as a multipurpose hall, with work beginning this term. Updated cladding will align with the new classroom block to create a cohesive look.
Construction of the new residential facility is also set to begin this term. Designed by Premier Architects and built by Scott Construction, the three-building complex is expected to be ready for students at the start of the 2027 school year. Once complete, the wider school grounds will also be finished.
Ellie says the project has progressed quickly this year, bringing the school closer to its long-held vision.
“It has been our vision for many years to create a specialist education hub on our site, while retaining safe, fit-for-purpose facilities for our students, so they can achieve success and greater possibilities in life after Salisbury. Thanks to Education Minister Erica Stanford, advocacy from Nelson MP Rachel Boyack and the project team, we are achieving this vision.”
