The replacement of classrooms at Napier Boys' High School is expected to start by next year, about the time a redevelopment estimated to cost $8.5 million was once expected to have been completed.
Changes in Government funding policy forced a rethink of the project, and yesterday principal Matt Bertram said it would now start with the replacement of Armour Block, but much of the rest of the project was deferred.
Mr Bertram, who succeeded retiring long-serving head Ross Brown 18 months ago, said the complete rebuild could now be spread over more than 10 years.
The rebuild was originally announced by Mr Brown in September 2014 and should have started the following year as one of the biggest school building projects in Hawke's Bay.
While the classroom demolition and replacement has been delayed - Mr Bertram said it was "caught in the gap" of changes in policy - the school is however in the throes of replacing much of its hostel facilities which cater to about a sixth of the school roll of about 1200.
Boarders have been crammed into all available space during the work, which started in March and will see the first stage of the new facilities in use at the start of Term 4, with dormitories replaced by individual rooms. The second stage of hostel replacement is expected to be quicker with the facilities all in use in the new year.