The Ministry of Education says it hasn’t made up its mind on the future of Banks Avenue School.

The school says the Ministry agreed to let them take over Shirley Boys High School’s sports hall and hockey turf – when it moved to its new QEII campus in May last year.

But Board Chair Kirk McKay told Chris Lynch the Ministry refused to hand over the keys because they were still demolishing other buildings nearby.

He says they’ve been left with a dilapidated wreck – with no help from the Ministry.

McKay says the school just want them to do what it promised and pay for the facilities to be fixed – and they want it in writing.

Ministry of Education Head of Education Infrastructure Services Kim Shannon issued a statement this afternoon.

She said “no decision to demolish the gymnasium has been made by the Ministry.”

“The commitment we made to the school when we agreed to the relocation of the new school to the former Shirley Boys’ High School site has not changed.”

Kim Shannon said “It is important that we take the time to consider the investment needed to support the development of the new school campus, which may be retention of the gymnasium or a positive alternative.”

“We spoke to the Chair Board again this morning to talk about the concerns he has raised and to reiterate our commitment to deliver the best long term outcome for the school.”