UNIVERSITY SITE

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28224, 12 March 1957, Page 10

UNIVERSITY SITE

Early Start Of Work Ministry of Works earth-moving machinery is now available and awaiting word to start on the first stage of the new University of Canterbury. This will be access roading to the new school of engineering at Riccarton and, from now on, there is likely to be continuous activity on the new site. The preparations are likely to coincide with the change in name of the college which has just been approved by the Senate of the University of New Zealand and which will come into force on the passing of legislation early in the next session of Parliament. The approximate time-table of university development is now likely to be:— March: Start on roading of engineering school site and levelling for building. June: Calling of tenders for school of engineering. August: School of Art moves to “Okeover” at Riccarton. September: Conversion of the present school of art for extension of college library. January: Start on construction of new engineering school of 117,000 square feet. The engineering school is expected to take at least 30 months to complete so the transfer will probably be made in the latter half of 1960, with all engineering departments operating at Riccarton in 1961. Studios Rising In the meantime the new site is becoming better known to the public. The rising block of studios, adjoining “Okeover” (just across Ham road from “Ham”) locates the old homestead which has been almost hidden by trees. Large Ministry of Works signboards define the school of engineering site fronting Creyke road. And round this boundary, trees and shrubs already beginning to show autumn colour indicate the success of the Canterbury University College Council’s start on landscaping. The early start on roading will not interfere with these plantings, which should be well developed by the time the building opens. But the roads will save cutting up the grounds where broad lawns will be laid and set with such specimen trees as paper and silver birch, copper beech, and golden ash. Within the main block will be a courtyard and pool suitable for a more formal lay-out with such trees as Atlantic and deodar cedars. The completion and occupation of the new School of Art will bridge the gap between the calling of tenders and letting a contract for the school of engineering and then it is hoped construction will be continuous.

The Canterbury University College Council has already appointed a special committee to determine the organisation of the changeover and has also asked the science faculty to specify its requirements with a view to planning a new science building. The aim is to have these plans completed for execution immediately the engineering school is finished and to have the departments of chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, botany, and zoology at Riccarton in 1965 by which time enrolments in science —already causing problems—are expected to have increased by 70 per cent