The Bowler (in 2006) before getting a new role in
University of Otago culture. Photos from ODT Files.
A multimillion-dollar makeover of two of Dunedin's former
student pubs is under way by the University of Otago, which has
forecast spending nearly $5 million to redevelop both the
Bowling Green and Gardens Taverns.
The transformation of the Gardens Tavern into the Marsh Study
Centre is projected to cost the university $3.3 million, and
$1.66 million will be spent on work at the Bowler.
The university announced on July 23 it would redevelop the
tavern, affectionately known as the Gardies, into a study
centre, but has remained tight-lipped about construction
costs for the project since.
The university paid $1.75 million to buy the Castle St tavern
in June last year when the premises was closed by its former
owner, Pete Innes-Jones.
The former "Gardies" tavern.
A capital works financial report prepared by Property
Services division manager Barry Mackay outlines a forecast
budget of $3.3 million for the Marsh Centre project, which is
still only at the design stage.
The report also details a projected cost of $46.2 million for
the first building of the nearly completed University Plaza
at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with another $4.7 million budgeted
for the site's landscaping and cost-share project with the
Dunedin City Council.
An upgrade of the Bowling Green Tavern recently started - the
$1.66 million redevelopment of the premises at 71 Frederick
St being initially delayed by building consent issues and a
requirement to seek additional funding.
That project is expected to be completed in December, Mr
Mackay said in his report to the university's capital
developments committee last month.
Requests made under the Official Information Act for the
approved costs and budget for the Marsh Centre redevelopment
were declined by the university on the grounds of commercial
sensitivity, despite the project costs being a matter of
public record since August 25.
A university spokeswoman said the redevelopment of the
planned Marsh Study Centre had not yet been put out to
tender.
The capital development reports are scheduled to be tabled at
a meeting of the University Council today.
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