The project team was looking towards the demolition of the education centre, and for construction to begin, SPCA Otago executive officer Sophie McSkimming said.
The Help Rescue SPCA Otago fundraising drive passed $1 million last week on the way to its $1.5 million target.
SPCA Otago business development manager Kirsty Thomson said the building would include:
- two veterinary consultation rooms for incoming animals,
- an adoption reception area,
- a laundry,
- a dry goods store for pet food,
- and an education room for the many groups that visit the centre.
The building has been designed by architect John McKenzie, of McKenzie Architects Ltd, and the construction tender awarded to Stevenson and Williams Ltd.
Mr McKenzie said he had enjoyed designing the centre.
The project was unique because SPCA Otago staff were more interested in providing the best facilities for animals than in the design of the building.
‘‘[There is] a total focus on the animals,’’ he said.
Dogs’ ‘‘enthusiasm’’ could mean they could be a bit destructive so Mr McKenzie had chosen a solid concrete floor with in-floor hot-water heating, which could be turned on and off in sections. The system, which would be powered by heat pump, could warm the floor in less than 20 minutes.
‘‘The big trick with buildings is not what it costs to build but to run [it],’’ he said.
Stevenson and Williams project quantity surveyor Jason Esplin said he was looking forward to ‘‘getting into it in the new year’’.
He said it was a good project to be involved with.
Ms Thomson said the fundraising was continuing to pay for a second building, which would house a dog isolation facility.
‘‘We have almost raised the value of this building as well, and will soon be asking for further construction submissions.’’
Ms Thomson said once they had reached the $1.5 million target, planning could begin on the third and final building, a cat isolation and hospital facility.
SPCA Otago aimed to complete the whole project by September or October 2017.
