Recently, the site was visited for a progress update by Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk and Ilam MP Hamish Campbell. They were joined by UC’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, and Southbase CEO Quin Henderson.

Planned for completion in 2026, this brand-new purpose-built facility will provide catered accommodation to 283 students, featuring single ensuite rooms, study spaces, and shared lounges. The design will bring the gardens into the building to provide a safe, peaceful retreat.. It will also have a cultural narrative embedded into the design features of the building, creating a design that celebrates the environment in which the building is located.

Further considerations of the design include optimising the structure with a highly efficient spatial configuration, minimising the impacts of construction on the student living precinct at Homestead Lane, and enabling a fast-track construction methodology.

The new building is located next to another accommodation hall, Tupuānuku, which we delivered in 2021. This and the current Tupuārangi project demonstrate Southbase’s expertise in the social vertical infrastructure sector, particularly in delivering modular accommodation projects, hence the interest from government who have a focus on this right now.