The University of Otago residential hall extension was originally scheduled to be completed in February last year, but the completion date got moved out to July 2023, then again to January this year, when it was hoped it would be ready for the arrival of 2024 students.
But it was delayed again, meaning 66 students had to be housed in the Aquinas Priory building instead.
Resourcing and supply delays, specifically related to the facade of the extension, caused the holdup.
The extension work was initially budgeted to cost about $18 million when it was approved in 2021, but increased construction costs and the extended construction timeframe had blown the budget out to $23.88m.
It has been named "Te Kōhaka", or "The Nest".
As well as 66 beds, the new 1940sq m wing contains additional communal facilities, a gym, whānau room, redeveloped courtyard, additional tutorial space, and an extension to the dining room which will allow all students in the college to dine together at the same time.
It replaces a former gymnasium, which was previously used as a chapel, and each of the new floors is named after a native bird, fitting into the nest theme.
The additional beds bring the total college capacity to 224 students.
"It’s great. The building is beautiful and the students are happy because it’s a much nicer space physically, mentally and spiritually — we feel like we’ve got a heart in the community now...
The Dominican order of the Roman Catholic Church began construction of Aquinas College in 1952, and in 1954 it opened its doors, dedicated to the accommodation of male Catholic students.
In the early 1980s, it was bought by the Elim Church and the buildings were used as accommodation for students as well as backpackers.
Then in 1988, it was bought by the University of Otago for student accommodation.
The college left behind its religious history when it was renamed Dalmore House, and it underwent significant development. In 1996, it returned to its original name — Aquinas College.
