New look for DCC

THE university’s $26 million music and performing arts complex is on budget and will meet its new deadline.

The project involves constructing a building beside the Robertson Library, which will contain recording studios, and refurbishing the teaching wing and two blocks on the university’s College of Education campus.

The work is due to be completed in early 2020, after the original deadline of mid2019 was shifted because of a Dunedin shortage of builders.

University of Otago campus development division director David Perry said this week the precast concrete panels, which could be seen on the site of the new building, were part of the new twostorey recording studio and the groundfloor link between the western end of the College of Education music suite and the teaching wing.

‘‘Other major work is also going on inside the music suite. The Naylor Love contractors have stripped it out and are rebuilding the inside.

‘‘The contractors are also working to replace electrical and mechanical services inside the existing neighbouring teaching wing and tower block, while also doing some minor alterations and repainting most of the interiors,’’ Mr Perry said.

The complex would help ‘‘create a greater sense of an arts and music community on campus, and in Dunedin’’.

It would also further consolidate the department’s staff, students and activities, instead of them being spread around 10 locations.

The university’s new research facility in Great King St, which will house animal research along with other forms of research, is more than half finished.

‘‘Inside, the contractors are installing pipework, ducting and cables on every floor with varying levels of progress on each floor,’’ Mr Perry said.

‘‘The building is scheduled for completion midway through next year.’’

The University of Otago was $9.9 million behind its forecast capital expenditure budget in the year to March 31, in its last financial report.

A total of $23.89 million had been spent on major capital projects so far this year.

The new dental school building is expected to be ready for staff and students later this month.

PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON Getting there . . . The new university facility which will house animal research along with other forms of research, is scheduled for completion by the middle of next year.

PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN Under construction . . . The new University of Otago music and performing arts building takes shape in Union St East.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED Imagine this . . . An impression of what the complex will look like, once it is completed next year.