Western Springs College in central Auckland will receive a $79 million redevelopment, the largest of its kind for a New Zealand school.

The upgrade is just one in a long line of schools undergoing a redevelopment, which sees investment in innovative learning environments and technologies.

Education Minister Hekia Parsta says the Government will invest around $75 million redeveloping Western Springs College, and around $4 million upgrading TAPAC, the Auckland Performing Arts Centre on the school grounds.

A sod turning ceremony was held to announce the investment.

“I was thrilled to be at the College today to be part of the ceremony, which means construction is now officially underway,” Parata says.

At least 80% of the existing teaching spaces at the school will be replaced entirely, and other facilities will be upgraded.

“The College is built on a former landfill and quarry, which means there are considerable geotechnical challenges associated with the site,” Parata says.

“However, the site is ideally positioned to serve surrounding communities, so this is an important investment in the local school network,” she says.

“Western Springs College is one of our highest-performing schools, and I'm confident that students, parents and staff alike can't wait to see the new facilities take shape.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.