Construction will involve the lifting, re-piling and repositioning of the building, constructing a new entrance extension and side extension, kitchen, toilets, ramp accessways, and acoustic improvements in the hall.
The project is estimated to take up to nine months, but the local pre-school is embracing the noise and activity as a learning experience, according to Aro Valley Pre-School Senior Teacher, Bridget.
“The tamariki have been super keen to wear the lovely bright coloured earmuffs – not only for the noisy times, but also when eating, painting and generally playing!
“At first, they all wanted to wear them, especially indoors, and found that it was very hard to hear each other so they raised their voice up to a louder volume – for the teachers, it was great to have earmuffs too at that point!