General: Ground broken in multi-million-dollar school facility

Will Johnston 

Photo: Sir Brother Pat Lynch is flanked by FDMC board chair David Leuthart (left), Clelands Construction's Michael Braggins (right) and members of the school and construction staff at the site where a multi-million dollar complex is due to be built at the school.

Ground has been broken on a multi-million-dollar sports and events complex at Francis Douglas Memorial College, but the school is still looking for extra funding to bridge the shortfall.  

With a $12 million price tag, the flagship project will provide the New Plymouth secondary school and its community with a state-of-the-art sports and performance venue, with adjacent classrooms and a gym, replacing the current gymnasium built in 1962.   

It will include retractable seating for 900 people and will overlook the sports field. It’s due to be completed in January 2026.   

Principal Tim Stuck said the school has secured over $10million, including a $150,000 grant from New Zealand Community Trust. But as Clelands Construction has begun work on the project, he encourages the community to help fund the rest of the $600,000 needed.  

“There are many ways people can contribute to the project either by purchasing a brick or donating to the cause,” he said.   

“Tiered sponsorships are available between $500 and $250,000 with benefits for each available to provide a long-lasting impact.”  

Stuck said the project received a funding boost in June, where $100,000 was raised when it hosted a charity auction at the New Plymouth Club hosted by journalist Paddy Gower and featured All Black Beauden Barrett, who were both old boys.  

“The community spirit and commitment were evident as we came together. It was wonderful to see so many old boys from different eras reconnecting and contributing to the project.  

“We’ve been incredibly grateful for the funding we’ve received so far.”  

Stuck said part of the partnership with Clelands Construction will provide the school’s students with a chance to learn from the project. Gateway and career pathway students will be involved where appropriate to view different trades working on the development.   

“It will mean they’re not only learning but part of a successful redevelopment at the College they can be proud of.  

 “This has been years in the making and we’re proud this can finally kick off. It will be a great facility for the school and wider community.”   

The complex is the biggest development at Francis Douglas as the school has made several additions to its campus in the past decade. These include building three new science labs, two art rooms and earthquake strengthening.   

Meanwhile, a car park is also being developed by Downers in the front paddock.   

Stuck said extra parking was needed at the school as attendees have mounted kerbs, parked across berms or parked on wet and muddy grass.   

The car park will be completed in late October.