University chief operating officer John Patrick said work on the visitors' centre would probably start in August and be completed by the start of the next academic year.
''The aim of the project is to provide a visitors' centre to attract and invite visitors on to the University of Otago campus. It will be a welcoming entrance to the university and will be a link between town and gown,'' Mr Patrick said.
The centre would serve as the starting point for campus tours for prospective students, their families and tourists, he said.
It would have display space for items of interest and a range of ''new'' university apparel and giftware for sale. The new building would be located to the northwestern side of the St David lecture theatre block, with access from Cumberland St.
