Situated on the southern boundary of St Michael's Square, this large two-storied concrete building was constructed in 1916-17 to house the technical engineering department of the New Plymouth Technical School.
In August 1916, it was noted in the Taranaki Herald that the Taranaki Education Board had accepted a tender from C. Roebuck of £644 for the construction of the building. A permit for the engineering workshop was granted to the Education Board by the Borough Council on 14 September 1916 - however, the cost is listed as £1500 in the NPBC permit register.
It was reported in November 1916 that good progress was being made and by February 1917 work was proceeding to a finish, with machinery being placed in position. (Taranaki Herald 28 February 1917 p.4)
The engineering workshop has an important place in the history of education in Taranaki, as the Education Board manufactured much of the joinery, furniture, and fittings for schools across Taranaki within the building. This not only reduced the Board's costs, but also gave technical engineering students a good opportunity for practical experience. It seems that the Taranaki Education Board was a leader in this respect, and often hosted members from other provinces wishing to replicate this model.
The building also had value as part of a group of buildings located on St Michaels Square relating to the development of education in New Plymouth and Taranaki - these buildings include the New Plymouth Technical School, the Taranaki Education Board Offices and buildings associated with New Plymouth Central School.
The building was demolished in 2022 in preparation for a large-scale residential development (Pukekura - The Parade) on behalf of Te Atiawa Iwi Holdings LP.
Related item:
New Plymouth Technical School Technical Engineering Building (Former), 99 Liardet Street New Plymouth, Draft Heritage Assessment (Hamish Crimp)
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