The University of Otago has appointed Australian and Christchurch-based construction companies to build the $125 million school of dentistry.
Leighs Cockram JV, a joint company made up of Christchurch-based Leigh's Construction and Australian company Cockram's Construction, was given the tender yesterday after a 12-week selection process.
The contractor will begin construction of the facility later this month.
University of Otago chief operating officer Stephen Willis said the contractor had a ''unique'' level of experience in building health-related facilities.
''They are among a few in New Zealand that we believe are capable of successfully delivering a project of this size and complexity.''
The tender process evaluated construction methodology, quality management and experience with similar projects, he said.
The company completed work on the redevelopment of Burwood Hospital in Christchurch last month.
There would also be ''significant engagement'' from the Dunedin subcontracting and labour markets, benefiting the local economy, Mr Willis said.
A university spokeswoman said project manager Aurecon had revised its approach to the redevelopment of the dental school's Walsh Building.
Equipment and some classes would now be temporarily relocated to the northern end of campus, the spokeswoman said. Temporary facilities would be used for about two years.
''This will result in a shorter programme ... [and make it] safer and more comfortable for students, staff and patients.''
In June, more than 500 patients receiving treatment in the building had appointments cancelled or rescheduled because of demolition work.
Originally, half of the Walsh Building was to remain occupied during the construction, the spokeswoman said.
A new clinical school building would be complete by mid-2018, at which point the Walsh Building would be refurbished for completion in mid-2019.