Image Credit: CHP Architects / YouTube

By Ashley Legassic

VALLEYVIEW SECONDARY

School District unveils design for Valleyview Secondary expansion

Nov 28, 2019 | 3:38 PM

KAMLOOPS — The design concept has been unveiled for the upcoming $34.5 million Valleyview Secondary expansion project.

Staff and students were shown the initial version of the expansion plans on Nov. 27.

CHP Architects is the firm designing the expansion, and they’ve released a video and virtual walk-through of the project.

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The design was presented first to staff and students for their feedback following a consultation session in June.

“We have been able to incorporate about 75 per cent of the requests that were made during that consultation session,” said SD73 Facilities and Maintenance Director Art McDonald. “I think you’re going to like this design. It’s very exciting.”

The project will add 20 classrooms, a new gymnasium, multi-purpose areas and “innovative education spaces”.

There will be dedicated wall space projectors, gender-neutral private washrooms and changerooms, and learning and gathering areas inside and outside the building.

“I am so pleased to see the concept incorporates healthy and inclusive spaces for our kids,” said Barb Hamblett, VSS principal. “As educators, we know how important it is to have multiple gathering places for kids as well as change rooms and washrooms that reflect society’s current values.”

VSS has more than 900 students, while it only has a capacity for 625 students. The expansion will lead to a capacity of 1,200 students at the school.

The School District says the reveal was at the 60 per cent design stage of the project, and final details like colour, finishes and specific determination of the space will likely change.

CHP expects site preparation to begin in early 2020, with completion set for September 2022. Phase one will include a renovation to the sports field along Oriole Road and preparing the approach to the addition and expanding the parking area along Valleyview Drive.