The redevelopment of the Otago University Union building is
one of the first steps in revitalising the central precinct
as part of an overall campus master plan. Photo by Peter
McIntosh.
A $5.7-million redevelopment of the Otago University
Union building is progressing as part of an overall project to
revitalise the central campus precinct.
Contractors started work on the University Union building
last month, with the upgrade expected to be completed in June
2012.
Property services director Barry MacKay said the construction
costs for the project would be shared by the University of
Otago and a company, University Union Ltd.
University Union Ltd is a company jointly owned by the
University of Otago and the Otago University Students
Association, he said.
"The site establishment and demolition stages of the project
are well under way and the contractor is making full use of
the students being away at this time of the year,"
The building redevelopment was one of the first steps in a
revitalisation project for the union building area and lawn,
as part of the campus master plan, university chief operating
officer John Patrick told a public lecture audience recently.
Eventually, the union lawn precinct might include such
developments as an expanded retail area, and perhaps even a
tavern, Mr Patrick said.
The university spent about $1.5 million to develop its campus
master plan, which was released with much fanfare and to
public acclaim in May 2010.
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