Kōawa Post Production Building

This purpose-built digital screen facility brings together Kōawa Post Production Building (PPB) and the University of Canterbury’s Bachelor of Digital Screen, creating New Zealand’s most advanced film, game and mixed-reality learning environment. Designed to foster education, innovation and research, the building integrates commercial-grade production spaces with teaching and collaborative areas, enabling students to work directly alongside industry on real-world projects.

About the project

As the South Island’s premier production hub, the facility supports fourth-year capstone projects and cutting-edge research, strengthening UC’s leadership in film, gaming and immersive media. Developed in close partnership with industry and aligned with national incentives such as the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, the project is positioned to stimulate regional and national economic growth.

With strong partnerships including ChristchurchNZ and Screen Canterbury, the facility establishes a sustainable pipeline for production, post-production and digital innovation; equipping graduates with versatile, industry-ready skills for creative and technology-driven sectors.

Our approach

Southbase presented an ECI, into design & construction approach to University of Canterbury at completion of 100% preliminary design. Engaged as ECI contractor through developed design, prior to full transition into design & construction contract at 100% developed design (following successful open book tender). Approach provided the client with full benefits of Southbase’s pre-construction expertise, whilst maintaining an ambitious delivery programme - which Southbase met, and bettered.