RRSIC Stage 1 – Ernest Rutherford
With a total project budget of $216 million for Stages 1 and 2, the new centre provides accommodation for the Faculty of Science, along with an unprecedented resource for the Canterbury region.
The first building, named for renowned UC Alumnus Ernest, Lord Rutherford, was officially opened by New Zealand's Prime Minister the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern on Thursday, 15 February 2018.
The building includes specialist teaching and research laboratories for physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, geography and biological sciences.
Cultural themes have been interwoven into the building ensuring that communal spaces promote interaction, and hospitable entrances can accommodate events and welcome in students, staff and visitors.
RRSIC stage 2 - Beatrice Tinsley
Stage 2 of the RRSIC project comprised demolition of the existing von Haast building and construction of a multi-storey timber-framed building, named Beatrice Tinsley, on the same site to accommodate Faculty of Science staff and postgraduates. The new timber framed building is now under construction and will be occupied in 2019.