Marine Laboratory now a shell

The Portobello Marine Laboratory is beginning to look like a shell of its former self as demolition of the building continues to make room for a $3.5million temporary teaching and research facility.

Laboratory manager Doug Mackie said dismantling of the University of Otago building began at the end of July.

Demolition was more complex due to the building's proximity to the harbour.

It was hoped the new temporary facility would be ready in time for semester 1, 2017.

There was no date for construction of a permanent facility, Dr Mackie said.