(photo-Gordon)1. Tanya Syddall is the Director of Campus Development at the University of Otago. She has some 23 years’ experience in construction, primarily in Australia but more recently in New Zealand. Tanya leads a team of 18 responsible for the planning and delivery of the University’s building requirements across its 5 campuses (Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Southland). The University’s property portfolio comprises 384 buildings with just over 470,000m 2 of floor area. Most of the space is owned by the University, with only some 33,000m 2 being leased. The replacement cost is an estimated $3.5 billion.
2. The University is currently implementing a ten-year 2021-2031, $1 billion building plan. The drivers of the plan include compliance requirements, addressing deferred maintenance, replacing ageing infrastructure, ensuring buildings are fit for purpose and accommodating student growth.
3. Challenges are the disruptions caused by Covid, labour market shortages, supply chain issues and costs escalations.
4. Tanya described the major current projects:
* Te Rangihiroa Hostel, Dunedin ($100 million);
* Aquinas College extension, Dunedin ($28 million);
* Hakitekura Academic Retreat, Queenstown ($9 million);
* Arana and Studholme Halls upgrades, Dunedin ($26 Million);
* Food services building, Dunedin ($43 million);
* Union Court, Dunedin ($4.6 million); and
* Oxford Building, Christchurch ($220 million).
5. Tanya touched on an interprofessional leaning centre being undertaken with Health New Zealand and Otago Polytechnic, the re-development of the Wellington Campus because of the earthquake vulnerability of existing buildings, and the establishment of a medical precinct accommodating both the University and the new Dunedin Hospital.
2. The University is currently implementing a ten-year 2021-2031, $1 billion building plan. The drivers of the plan include compliance requirements, addressing deferred maintenance, replacing ageing infrastructure, ensuring buildings are fit for purpose and accommodating student growth.
3. Challenges are the disruptions caused by Covid, labour market shortages, supply chain issues and costs escalations.
4. Tanya described the major current projects:
* Te Rangihiroa Hostel, Dunedin ($100 million);
* Aquinas College extension, Dunedin ($28 million);
* Hakitekura Academic Retreat, Queenstown ($9 million);
* Arana and Studholme Halls upgrades, Dunedin ($26 Million);
* Food services building, Dunedin ($43 million);
* Union Court, Dunedin ($4.6 million); and
* Oxford Building, Christchurch ($220 million).
5. Tanya touched on an interprofessional leaning centre being undertaken with Health New Zealand and Otago Polytechnic, the re-development of the Wellington Campus because of the earthquake vulnerability of existing buildings, and the establishment of a medical precinct accommodating both the University and the new Dunedin Hospital.
6. Alongside these major capital works, Campus Development is responsible for minor works such as a “slips and trips” avoidance programme.
7. In recognition of the role of the University as a centre of learning, the team is presently reviewing the University’s facilities to ensure its buildings meet the contemporary teaching and learning needs of staff and students.
7. In recognition of the role of the University as a centre of learning, the team is presently reviewing the University’s facilities to ensure its buildings meet the contemporary teaching and learning needs of staff and students.
