University plans national engineering centre

Press, 15 September 1986, Page 2

University plans national engineering centre

The School of Engineering at the University of Canterbury hopes to establish a national centre for advanced engineering by the end of next year.

A $2 million appeal will soon be launched to help establish the centre.

Plans for the centre have been under way since 1983, and the University Council approved the idea in principle in 1984.

Professor Miles Kennedy,. chairman of the

local appeal committee, said it was hoped the centre would be officially opened at the School of Engineering centenary in May next year. The first project could then be begun by late 1987.

The centre would be based on the successful Warren Centre at the University of Sydney. It would provide facilities for engineers from industries and the university to work on projects of national importance.

Suggestions for projects have included a feasibility study of new value-added industries; quality assurance in the construction industry; investigation of the environmental impact of large engineering projects; and a study of New Zealand internal and external transport. “It is not something that will just be of benefit to the School of Engineering and the university,” Professor Kennedy said. “If it is to succeed it will be because it is of benefit to the advancement of engineering excellence in New Zealand.”

Professor Kennedy said it was hoped the university would provide accommodation for the centre. Ongoing funding would also need to be provided by businesses.