Scion launched its plans to build an innovation hub in the centre of its Rotorua campus with the reveal of design
concepts at a function today.
A $2.5 million grant from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s regional infrastructure fund helped get the multi-million
dollar project underway.
Scion CEO Julian Elder says the innovation hub will become the focal point of Scion’s campus and is part of a broader
campus redevelopment that will foster innovation in the forestry, manufacturing, energy and sustainable land-use
sectors.
“We, and our predecessors, have a proud history of innovation on this site but to take us into the future, our aging
site needs upgrading. This investment will give us flexible and fit-for-purpose facilities that reflect the world-class
science we do here.
“We are creating a unique and dynamic environment that will promote innovation, commercialisation and collaboration by
bringing Scion staff and industry closer together. Engaging with the public is important too, and we will be opening up
parts of the campus to our neighbours, local community and tourists,” said Dr Elder.
Kevin Winters, Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor for the Rotorua constituency, says the project has the potential to
provide a significant boost to not only the Rotorua economy, but that of the wider region, bringing employment, economic
benefits and innovation that will spill over to national benefits.
“We’re very pleased to be able to contribute to getting the hub underway, through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, and
look forward to seeing the development progress,” said Mr Winters.
Scion worked closely with Architects RTA Studio and Irving Smith during the design phase to ensure the building will be
a showcase for timber and sustainable building principles.
The innovation hub, to be accessed from Long Mile Road, will be the new entry point to Scion. The three-level building
comprises an exhibition area, public café, main reception, meeting rooms, staff and tenant working spaces. It links to
laboratories and testing facilities. Construction is expected to start before the end of this year, and it is due to be
completed by December 2019.
The entire campus redevelopment programme started last year with a refit of Scion’s office block. In addition to the
innovation hub, the programme includes upgrades of wood processing workshops and laboratories plus pilot-plant
facilities. A landscape plan for the 112-hectare site is also included to create a more cohesive environment.
Costing an estimated $18 million, the redevelopment is the largest in many years and follows a laboratory upgrade in
2012.
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