UOCCR – UOC Project

*An artist’s impression of the new build planned for the University of Otago Christchurch campus. Image: Warren and Mahoney*

The University of Otago Christchurch Campus Redevelopment (UOCCR) Project site on Oxford Terrace and Tuam Street is abuzz with excitement as preparatory works on the new building begin.

UOCCR Project Director, Donna Howell, says enabling works on the UOCCR Project are underway and the site is humming.

“We’re expecting excavation of the basement to be complete in June 2023 and then construction of the main works which include the building will begin,” she says.

Christchurch construction company Leighs is on site beginning the next stage of enabling works which involves relocating existing in-ground services to allow for earthworks to begin.

“They will be installing a temporary retention system to allow them to install the secant piles and when the piling is complete, they will start excavating the basement,” Ms Howell says.

“It’s exciting to see things progressing on site after all the hard work the design team has put into the building to date.”

*An artist’s impression of the new build under construction on Oxford Tce, Christchurch. Image: Warren and Mahoney*

Shovel-ready: (from left to right) Aunty Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri), University of Otago Christchurch Head of Campus, Professor Suzanne Pitama, University of Otago Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Willis, Tira-Roa Reuben (Ngāi Tūāhuriri), Maaka Tau (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and Jamie Te Karu (Ngai Tūāhuriri) prepare the ground for the UOCCR Project.
Photo: Neil Macbeth

Construction is all go at the University’s Christchurch campus redevelopment site on Oxford Terrace in the Te Papa Hauora health precinct after the site was blessed on Friday, 10 June.

Leighs Construction began Stage II early works on the Oxford Terrace – Tuam Street site in Christchurch on Monday, 13 June and campus members are thrilled to watch the project develop.

Project Director, Donna Howell says the blessing involving Dean of Christchurch campus, Professor Suzanne Pitama, project staff, members of the Ratana Church, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, contractors, senior professional staff and students, went well.

The highlight of the event for Donna was having the team from Leighs Construction present, lending the occasion “a sense of sort of both reflection and excitement about getting underway.”

“The conditions were perfect. It felt auspiciously positive,” she says.

McMillan Drilling continues to test bores for the ground source heat pump system to be used for the new building.