Future-proofing project draws to close

Scaffolding has started to come down on the University of Otago’s Plaza Building, signalling the end of a future-proofing project that began in September last year.

The main project involved removing the Oamaru stone northern facade and replacing it with terracotta tiles that looked similar, but were not as heavy.

The work also included extending the northern roof’s low parapet and adding handrails along both the new and existing parapet, and adding a gantry (platform) to the roof, above the atrium.

Cracks were discovered in the northern facade, which connects to Forsyth Barr Stadium, two years after it was completed in 2011.

While that did not stop the building being used, hoardings were erected as a precaution.