The University of Otago will need 50% more teaching,
research, study, social and support services space on the
Dunedin campus than it has now to accommodate growth over the
next 25 years, the master plan document says.
• Enthusiasm for university vision
• Need to tidy 'ghetto'
• Leith could become city amenity
The university is already critically short of space and the
report estimates an additional 100,000sq m - the equivalent
of five spaces the size of the huge information services
library - will be required to cater for the extra 7000
students and 500 staff expected by 2035.
An extra 1000 residential college beds and between 500-700
more student flats will also be needed.
Some radical ideas have been proposed to consolidate campus
growth as close as possible to its existing heart.
They include the demolition of the Science II building - one
of the most prominent buildings on campus - removing the "S"
bends on State Highway 1 and creating a cluster of health
sciences buildings with a central pedestrian mall near
Dunedin Hospital.
The health sciences buildings would cover the entire block
bordered by Frederick St, Great King St, Albany St and Emily
Siedeberg Pl, a design possible only if the highway "S" bend
is removed.
A fall-back plan has also been drawn up should the "S" bend
remain.
The computer building which spans the Water of Leith would be
demolished to allow a landscaped area to be developed, which
would flood from time to time.
A new teaching and learning centre would be built above the
flood level but overlooking the stream.
The Union Lawn should continue to be the social heart of the
campus, the report says.
The buildings bordering Cumberland St would be replaced and
their ground floors made "see through" to link the lawn with
the city.
The ground floors would be designed to open up to the lawn
area and provide multi-use spaces for activities such as
functions, markets, retailing, cafes and social spaces.
The report suggests more public use be made of the
university's "defining iconic image" - the clocktower
building - and the cluster of 19th century buildings nearby.
A mix of teaching, administrative, function and public
exhibition space is suggested, along with construction of a
new performing arts centre on Anzac Ave to free up Marama
Hall and Allen Theatre for a wider range of uses.
A series of academic buildings surrounding central garden
courtyards is proposed along the north side of Albany St,
between the information services building and Forth St.
The report says Forth St should become the natural eastern
boundary for campus teaching spaces to ensure a "walkable"
campus for students.
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