The Christchurch campus building Wai-Ora has suffered from delays and cost blowouts since it was first mooted in 2018, but a media release confirmed the opening ceremony would be held on September 17 and 18.
Construction of the eight-storey building, led by Christchurch company Leighs, began on site in mid-2022. The project has required complex excavation, de-watering and structural works due to the building’s tight inner-city location.
When the project was first approved, the university set aside a budget of $180 million.
The current university council approved project budget is $280m. The current estimated cost to completion at the end of this year is $292.5m.
Faculty of Medicine head Prof Suzanne Pitama said the new building would expand the university’s ability to undertake world-class research and clinical trials across a wide range of health challenges, from diabetes to Parkinson’s disease.
‘‘There is definitely a sense of excitement and pride as we approach the opening of Wai-Ora.
‘‘This has been a long journey involving the vision and commitment of many people over many years, and it is incredibly rewarding to see that vision becoming a reality. We are exceptionally proud of the university’s investment in Christchurch and Canterbury, and of what this building will mean for our students, staff, researchers, clinicians and communities for generations to come.’’
A spokeswoman said the new building would allow the Christchurch campus to grow, increasing teaching spaces by 20%, accommodating more postgraduate health students and students from other university courses as well.
She said this growth would occur in tandem with the Dunedin campus, not in competition with one another.
