In a tender document obtained by the Otago Daily Times, the university proposed outfitting the building with a "generic office and teaching space" in order to accommodate a variety of different departments and functions over its future.
Work to seismically strengthen the three-storey building began in 2020 with plans to link it with the nearby Gregory Building.
This was originally part of a $44 million redevelopment of the Food Science precinct, but it was announced in August last year this had been put on hold due to affordability.
The new refurbishment fit-out would include the construction of two large seminar rooms, meeting rooms, open plan offices, a new lift and an external egress stair.
The university is seeking local contractors and indicated work could begin in August, with an estimated timeframe of eight months
