People are the focus of a new Lincoln University campus masterplan and redevelopment programme, which aims to grow social and academic connections between staff, students and visitors.
The masterplan creates an environment that facilitates and nurtures growth in all areas of development, including physical, emotional, intellectual, financial and societal.
Vice-Chancellor James McWha says the vision of the masterplan is to make Lincoln the place of choice for students and researchers, where people will grow their knowledge in an incubator of innovation and agribusiness at a national hub for land-based research.
“Lincoln’s Māori strategy, together with its sustainability policy, have informed the high-level plan.
“A key outcome of the project includes consolidating the campus to create a vibrant central heart on the lawn between Ivey Hall and the Forbes Building.
“This will involve providing quality movement corridors and spaces, strengthening the connection to the Lincoln township, introducing attractive entry points and pedestrian passages.
“Our green frame also highlights projects to enhance the campus landscape, eliminate storm water runoff and regenerate indigenous planting to encourage biodiversity. We also plan to introduce renewable energy generation and sustainability targets for all new developments.”
The addition of a northern carpark connects to a new front door of the Forbes building, creating a welcoming entrance to the university.
The ground floor of Forbes will become a social space for students, staff and visitors.
Work on the space has already begun, with a new espresso bar and student space opening last month on the ground floor of the building.
A revitalisation of earthquake-damaged Ivey West and Memorial Hall will retain the building’s traditional heritage values but allow for a more modern internal environment, while new spaces for students, staff and the community are part of the plan for Te Kete Ika.
The campus masterplan supports the Lincoln University/AgResearch Joint Facility, which will bring together students, scientists and industry to create innovations for New Zealand and the world.