Media Release
Wednesday 21 January 2015
Local building contractors win UCOL tender
Local building companies Masterbuilt Ltd and Houghton & Gemini Pepper Construction Ltd have tendered successfully for rebuilding and refurbishment work at Whanganui UCOL.
UCOL Chief Financial Officer Darryl Purdy said two contracts had been let. “We are really pleased that local contractors
have been successful in tendering for the work and the financial benefits will flow into the local economy. The value of
the works are over $2.2million and include creating new teaching and staff spaces as well as carpeting, shifting
computers and creating niche study areas in an open plan environment. It is important to our staff and students that we
continue to improve our facilities to support a positive learning experience.”
Areas within three buildings on the campus are receiving a make-over, and work has begun.
The new block on Rutland Street, E Block, has some ground floor re-modelling to create a welcoming student learning
environment and to relocate hairdressing and beauty facilities.
The Whanganui UCOL Information Centre has moved across the courtyard to join with staff in what will be a new library
and student commons area. “This will put all our public services in one central area, making it easier for everyone to
find and to get into. As well, we are creating a vibrant student hub area where everyone can congregate and work
together on projects.”
As well as revamping the ground floor of the Rutland Street main block to improve the student experience, two heritage
buildings on Taupo Quay will have internal spaces created to house all creative programmes this year. The work on these
buildings has begun and it is expected to be complete by the end of May for occupation in Semester 2.
ENDS