Gardies

Student watering-hole the Gardens Tavern is to be given a new lease of life by the University of Otago, which plans to redevelop the popular former pub as a "study and social centre".

Almost five months since it closed, the Gardens Tavern building remains empty and its new owner, the University of Otago, has not decided what it will do with the property.

Dunedin police are paying for buses to try to stop partying Gardens Tavern patrons disturbing other residents in the North Dunedin student area this weekend.

A no-entry policy at Dunedin's Gardens Tavern after the rugby test starts will help avert trouble as the "iconic boozer" prepares to close its doors later this month, says pub owner Pete Innes-Jones.

Suggestions that the Dunedin City Council organise an alternative event to help avert crowd trouble when students farewell the Gardens Tavern in North Dunedin were yesterday ignored.

Police fear "serious disorder" - possibly rivalling the Undie 500 - as crowds from around New Zealand descend on North Dunedin next month to bid farewell to the Gardens Tavern.

The University of Otago is in the process of buying the Gardens Tavern and will close the popular student bar.

The owners of the Gardens Tavern, which was advertised for sale earlier this month, have accepted an offer from the University of Otago.

Upset at the possible demise of Castle St student bar the Gardens Tavern, three Dunedin students have come up with a scheme to save it.