St Hilda’s Collegiate School director of development Amanda Burke said about three years ago the school chapel was assessed under new fire regulations and deemed unsafe to fit the 450 pupils and more than 60 staff.
Since then, pupils have had to split into two groups for chapel and use the school gym for school-wide gatherings.
The school had tried using the gym for chapel services, but the building was cold and unsuitable for regular use.
The chapel was "the heart of the school" and it needed to be able to function as one, she said.
The school’s Whitby Hall also needed work.
The hall was originally built as a gym, but would soon be transformed into a multi-layer facility with a library space for pupils to work, read, eat and host school events.
Close to $500,000 had been raised for the developments and the school hoped to raise another $50,000 with a final fundraiser, which would be held online due to Covid-19 restrictions.
It had also received money from the New Zealand Lotteries Commission for the developments.
There was a bit of uncertainty over an online fundraiser, as it would not suit or interest everyone, but it could appeal to people who previously would have missed in-person fundraisers, Mrs Burke said.
It could "never replace" the value of a social function fundraiser, but the school needed to "move with the times."
There would hopefully be opportunity for more traditional fundraisers soon, she said.
The redevelopments would begin in April.
