To date, $17m has been raised, with the balance targeted to come from grants, sponsorship and the Sacred Heart College community, with the aim of opening the facility in late 2028 to coincide with the college’s 125th jubilee.
Artist’s impression of the new multifunctional sports facility at Sacred Heart’s Glendowie campus.
The campaign’s tagline is “Where it All Begins” – a nod to Sacred Heart’s proud sports tradition dating back to 1903, and an acknowledgment that Year 7 is where it all starts for the boys, where they first pull on the college’s colours and enjoy playing sport.
Sacred Heart has appointed a health advisory board from within its community to guide the sports faculty for the benefit of students.
Founding board members include Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga from the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan, and Dave Monro, New Zealand Heart Foundation’s chief adviser on food and nutrition.
Headmaster Patrick Walsh noted that Sacred Heart had a proven track record of outstanding sporting results.
“We wish to complement our dedicated staff and talented students with facilities to match.
“At the same time, the health and wellbeing curriculum will ensure that all students benefit from this extraordinary facility.”
The sports centre has been designed by Jasmax Architects, which has undertaken an extensive consultation and design process with key stakeholders at Sacred Heart.