The objective.

Brook Block is a multi-storey teaching building within Wellington Girls’ College that was identified as earthquake-prone, with assessments indicating parts of the building were rated at approximately 15% of the New Building Standard (NBS) prior to works.

A key focus of the strengthening programme was the top two floors, which were added in the 1990s above the original 1940s structure. Integrating newer construction with the existing building fabric required structural intervention to improve seismic performance. This ensured its continued use as an active learning space as part of the broader redevelopment of the campus.

Key challenges included working within a live school environment, coordinating with other major construction activities on site that included demolition works and delivery of new facilities.

Our involvement.

Petone Engineering was engaged by LT McGuinness to fabricate and install the structural steel required for the seismic strengthening of Brook Block.

Although the overall tonnage was moderate, the project required a high level of labour input, reflecting the complexity of working within an existing multi-storey building while other redevelopment works were progressing across the campus.

The school had been managing significant disruption due to the building’s low seismic rating, with multiple teaching spaces affected. Careful planning and sequencing were therefore essential to coordinate works safely and minimise further impact where possible.

Our team worked closely with the project delivery team to programme installation activities in line with site constraints and adjacent works, ensuring safe access and efficient integration of the strengthening steel within the existing structure.

The outcome.

The seismic strengthening works contributed to the school’s broader programme to improve resilience and ensure buildings meet required safety thresholds.

Delivered in conjunction with LT McGuinness and the wider project team, the project supports the continued use of Brook Block as part of Wellington Girls’ College’s long-term campus redevelopment strategy.