The University of Auckland is currently rebuilding its Recreation and Wellness Centre and Humans Sciences building, with both projects due to finish in 2024.
The Recreation and Wellness Centre at 17 Symonds Street is in the middle of its demolition phase, with the full clearing expected to be completed by April 2020. The purpose of the rebuild is to be able to provide the students with a facility that has space and the right services to maximise what is needed for students wellbeing in today’s society. The original Recreation and Wellness facility was established in 1978 with the University’s website noting that there are now 40,000 students at the University, in comparison to just 10,000 who studied at the University when the building was opened.
Under the concept design document released in September 2017, the rebuilding “is driven by functional performance”. The floor plan’s key list shows the space provides public areas, studios, gyms, sports courts with a turf, and an aquatic hall/swimming pool. In October that year student/staff consultation occurred, with feedback showing that 78% of respondents were in support of the proposed design. A significant amount of feedback was in favour of the swimming pool.
The university has provided interim facilities of sports courts and a Recreation Centre in order to allow students to maintain or improve their health and wellbeing. The interim sports courts are located on Wynyard Street, and the interim Recreation Centre is on Stanley Street.
In addition to this the HSB building is currently being torn down following the government’s agreement to help fund and finance the redevelopment and relocation of the Faculty of Education and Social Work, as the faculty currently resides in Epsom. The university website states the building is being stripped down to its framework in order to allow for the building that was in “poor condition” to be developed, so students can move to a more modern and environmentally sustainable learning environment.
The Dean of Education and Social Work, Associate Professor Mark Barrow, said that a marae, a Pasifika Success facility, virtual learning spaces and specialist support education (in regards to social workers and counsellors) will be a key aspect of the redevelopment.
For future updates on University of Auckland’s construction projects, visit the University website and find the “What’s On” section under “On Campus”.