News

The University of Otago Campus Master Plan was launched last week at an event in the Link, where the wine flowed and excitement was palpable.

This followed an informative lecture to University staff and community leaders in Castle 1 that unveiled the bold and possibly unrealistic plan.
While it is comprehensive, the plan does not yet represent University policy. Instead, the Master Plan is a framework, and is not intended to be highly prescriptive. The University wants to stress that the Master Plan is only a preliminary document. That means that the extent to which it will be implemented remains to be seen, especially given the huge cost of the plan in its totality.
At current estimates, it is thought that carrying out the Master Plan would cost over a billion dollars. The plan details a luxury campus, where the consultants have invited the University “not to ‘make do’ with run-of-the-mill facilities, but rather to create world-class campuses.” At a price tag of over $40 million a year, the University may need to cull a few more departments before the Master Plan can be put into action. Alternatively, all the alumni who have ‘made it’ may soon be getting an uncomfortable phone call, and a second mortgage.
Similarly, there has been no indication of specific timeframes for the implementation of the plan, or which phases are priorities. The next step in the process is for the University to “decide on its investment priorities and timing,” and then begin site-specific planning. No changes can be accepted without the approval of the University Council. At the presentation, Vice Chancellor Sir Professor David Skegg commented “It will have to be successive Councils that carry the plan forward.”
In addition to costs and timing issues, the plan also fails to discuss obtaining resource consents, and work involving third parties. Specifically, some projects are contingent upon the University purchasing properties surrounding the campus, which could be problematic. 
Another major problem posing a barrier to the implementation of the Master Plan is the Leith River, which is currently in a dire state. According to the report, the Otago Regional Council is “developing engineering proposals to mitigate the threat of flooding.” The University will need to work with the Council to improve the condition of the river dramatically to realise the vision of the Leith as a campus highlight.
The various bodies in charge of roading are also reportedly unhappy that they were not consulted about the plan to remove the ‘S’ bends of State Highway 1.
In the Master Plan’s preface, David Skegg was disparaging towards doubters. “Anyone who thinks that the plan is unachievable should reflect on the ambition of the early Scottish settlers who founded the University of Otago.”
Perhaps the most negative reaction to the plan’s launch has been the choice of music. A string quartet played at the presentation, sparking several disgruntled letters to the Critic Editor.