Major Renovation Announced for West Kings

A major renovation and expansion of West Kings District High School in Auburn, Kings Co., was announced today, June 26, by Education Minister Jane Purves.

During a ceremony at the school, Ms. Purves unveiled plans that include the construction of a new gymnasium, a technical education and arts wing and an audio-visual and science block. The renovation will also address heating control problems in the school.

"Many of our schools across the province need upgrades. I'm pleased to see a priority project like West Kings moving ahead," said the minister. "This is a major renovation that will soon see West Kings match the standards of any new school in Nova Scotia."

The $9.5-million upgrade and addition program will be carried out in phases over the next four years. It is expected that the project will be completed by September 2006.

"Today the many wishes of the students and community have come true," said David Reid, principal of West Kings District High School. "We're thrilled with the tremendous support of the Department of Education."

The community has agreed to cover the cost of an enhanced 945- square-metre (10,500-square-foot) gymnasium. The gymnasium is scheduled as the first phase of the project and is expected to be completed for the fall of 2003.

The design consultants, WHW Architects, developed a phasing strategy to address the greater needs in the earlier phases and to minimize disruption at the school.

"This is good news for the school and the school board," said Jim Gunn, superintendent of the Annapolis Valley regional school board. "We've been pushing for many years to get significant upgrades to West Kings, and we hope the plans can be completed as soon as possible."

West Kings accommodates about 850 students in grades nine to 12. It opened in 1956 and additions were added in 1960 and 1968.