University embarks on ambitious building programme

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Preliminary concept sketch of entranceway to the proposed the University of Waikato Law School adjacent to the existing Management School in Hillcrest Rd

Media Release 13 October, 2006
(With pic)

Waikato University to embark on ambitious building programme

Waikato University is to embark on an ambitious $55 million capital works programme to build a landmark, one-stop-shop student “hub” at the heart of the campus, and a new facility to house the Law and Management Schools.

The University Council this week (Wednesday, 11 October) gave the go ahead for the University to proceed with design and tenders for construction of a $29 million Student Centre, due for completion in 2009.

Council also gave the University approval to proceed with design of a $26 million Law and Management facility, and to seek matched funds for the project from external sources.

Waikato University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford said he was extremely pleased the University Council had given approval to proceed with the two projects.

“We are building a legacy at Waikato for future generations of students. Both projects represent a major investment in the University Campus which will be of enormous benefit to them,” he said.

The proposed Student Centre would define the heart of the campus, providing a world-class, student-centred learning environment, as well as a social and meeting area for students and staff.

“Our goal is to construct a building with outstanding design qualities, which will become a University icon and a showcase facility for Hamilton City,” he said.

The Law and Management facility would provide much needed academic space, “an open pathway” to support the joint work of the two schools, and a formal, distinct and separate identity for the Law School, Professor Crawford said.

Preliminary designs for the Student Centre, to be closely integrated with the central campus, have been completed. The final design is scheduled for sign-off in mid-2007 with tender documentation, building and resource consent completed by early 2008, and the three-stage construction completed by mid-2009.

The 10,600 square metre hub, comprising 4000 square metres of new building, will house an “information commons” with space for 1000 computers and the provision of wireless technology. The existing central library will be refurbished and integrated with the new facilities.

The centre will also bring together a wide range of food outlets and cafes, and existing and additional retail shops. A student information mall will incorporate enrolment, counselling and disability services, learning support, international student services, and job search and accommodation advisory services.

The proposed 6000 square metre Law and Management School facility, to be sited east of Hillcrest Road, will provide academic space for commercial law and executive business education, as well as student work and group project space. The Law School will incorporate a “moot court”, for students to argue legal cases in a mock court setting, and space for mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Construction of the Law and Management facility is contingent on gaining commitments of a minimum of $10 million in matched funds from external sources. Detailed design is expected to be completed by October, 2007, and completion by mid-2010.

ENDS

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