The troubled and long-delayed building for the University of Otago\u2019s Christchurch campus finally has an opening date, as the university looks to grow student numbers across the board.<\/p>\n
The Christchurch campus building Wai-Ora has suffered from delays and cost blowouts since it was first mooted in 2018, but a media release from yesterday confirmed the opening ceremony would be held on September 17 and 18.<\/p>\n
Construction of the eight-storey building, led by Christchurch company Leighs, began on site in mid-2022. The project has required complex excavation, de-watering and structural works due to the building\u2019s tight inner-city location.<\/p>\n
When the project was first approved, the university set aside a budget of $180 million.<\/p>\n
The current university council approved project budget is $280m. The current estimated cost to completion at the end of this year is $292.5m.<\/p>\n
Faculty of Medicine head Prof Suzanne Pitama said the new building would expand the university\u2019s ability to undertake world-class research and clinical trials across a wide range of health challenges, from diabetes to Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018There is definitely a sense of excitement and pride as we approach the opening of Wai-Ora.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018This has been a long journey involving the vision and commitment of many people over many years, and it is incredibly rewarding to see that vision becoming a reality. We are exceptionally proud of the university\u2019s investment in Christchurch and Canterbury, and of what this building will mean for our students, staff, researchers, clinicians and communities for generations to come.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
A spokeswoman said the new building would allow the Christchurch campus to grow, increasing teaching spaces by 20%, accommodating more postgraduate health students and students from other university courses as well.<\/p>\n
She said this growth would occur in tandem with the Dunedin campus, not in competition with one another.<\/p>\n