The University Plaza Building, which houses the Unipol Recreation Centre, is suffering structural issues in the stonework. The cause of many of the issues has not yet been identified, although efforts are underway.
Since the building was completed just over five years ago, a number of cracks have appeared in the Oamaru stone exterior, particularly on the North side (next to the Leith river), where the Foundation Year and Language Centre facilities are located. At this point it does not appear that the structural issues will cause the building to be closed or limit access to the building, although University of Otago Chief Operating Office Steve Willis says inquiries are still ongoing, with “Contractors, consultants and the University working collaboratively to investigate the cause and find a resolution […] because the cause of the larger cracks in the Oamaru stone is still being investigated, who pays will depend on where fault lies, if indeed any party is at fault.”
Smaller cracks in the façade are expected to be fixed under the building’s warranty.
Cracks have also appeared in the concrete columns which line the front entrance of the building. Structural engineers believe the concrete has shrunk over the past five years as it dried out fully, causing the ruptures.
Aside from structural issues, the University is also discussing ways to keep the Oamaru stone that lines the top of the building cleaner, and have hired and architect to design a parapet on top of the building as a way to protect runoff from the roof spoiling the white stone walls. He hopes that a parapet will “stop dirt and other materials associated with birdlife from flowing down the façade whenever water runs down the face of the building”.
The work has been planned for the Christmas break and so is unlikely to affect the majority of gym users. The cost of the repairs and renovation is yet to be calculated.