Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Demolition and Rebuilding of St. Rose’s Church Street Structure
Dear Editor,
The Board of Governors of St Rose’s High School wishes to inform the general public that the demolition of the School’s timber building facing Church Street will commence shortly, and will be limited only to the aged wooden section that is in a state of disrepair.
This decision was taken only after extensive consultations over many years to determine the viability of retaining this edifice because of its historical importance and architectural integrity. After much deliberation and with the primary goal being to provide a safe, up to date and innovative building for the development of our students, and only after exploring every option to preserve the building was the decision unhappily taken to demolish the structure.
It has served its purpose well and all who have had the opportunity to walk its halls will attest to the very special memories created there.
Built almost entirely of wood and some one hundred-odd years old, the building is now structurally incapable of providing a safe environment for the over 700 students that now utilize the facility. Because of this, the auditorium has not been used as a general meeting hall for the last five years and the building was evacuated completely during the last year to ensure that there would be no mishaps.
The intended new replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the design of the Marion and other wings on the property including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school.
The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the demolition and the project is expected to last for approximately 24 months with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with the National Procurement guidelines and procedures.
During our deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders: The Nuns of the Convent, P.T.A, Alumni Associations, Students, Teachers, H.M, D.H.M, The National Trust, The Ministry of Education, The Ministry of Social Cohesion, The Ministry of Finance and all others with direct or indirect impact on this decision, and when presented with the evidence, all agreed that we must take the tough decision to look towards the future and incorporate the very best of modern design and “green” architectural approaches for a building that will stand as an example for future educational design in Guyana.
Tenders were put out regionally and the winning bid went to a Trinidadian firm with strong Guyanese roots for the architectural design and consulting services. Guyanese- born Mr. Orin Hinds is a member of the Team representing Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshire, the partnership entrusted with designing, providing the relevant documents, managing and overseeing the project’s execution and delivery of the final agreed replacement building.
Further, the Board of Governor’s is also utilizing independent engineers to ensure the delivery of the agreed final design which would take into full account the aesthetics in keeping with the expectations of the stakeholders, the history of the existing structure and adherence to current local and international environmental and building codes and standards.
The faculty and students will be relocated to various safe areas on the School’s premises away from the cordoned construction area as their safety and that of the Staff will be of paramount importance once demolition and reconstruction commences.
The Board of Governors wishes to thank all those who have contributed to this exercise and will continue to provide updates as they become available as we strive to ensure transparency throughout this process.
Kenrick Thomas
Chair- Board of Governors
St. Rose’s High School
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