Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University’s revamped main entrance and new Student and Visitor Centre have been officially opened by Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology and Minister for Universities, Shane Reti.
The opening celebration, attended by Lincoln University staff and students, leaders from neighbouring research institutes, partners, construction contractors and other stakeholders, was held at the new Student and Visitor Centre in the north block of the George Forbes Building.
In his speech delivered prior to cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Dr Reti said the redeveloped George Forbes Building will be an asset to Lincoln University’s world-class campus. He also spoke about Lincoln University’s strong history of quality education and collaboration with domestic and international partners, which set Lincoln apart.
Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards, said the new facilities delivered an enhanced campus experience for students and visitors alike.
“Our new Student and Visitor Centre, complemented by a revamped statement entrance, provides an expansive and accessible space where all visitors to campus will feel welcome, and where our students can come to study, collaborate, connect, relax, enjoy some quiet time, and to engage with any of our student support service providers.
“One of Lincoln University’s most distinctive attributes is our celebrated student experience, where our students are supported to succeed in their studies while also developing their social connections, pursuing their recreation goals, exploring new interests and nurturing their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our rich and diverse campus environment, now enhanced by these new student-focused facilities, is a vibrant and thriving hub where our people can live, study and work.”
Guests who attended yesterday’s opening event were invited to tour the new facilities and to visit a number of Lincoln University’s other new and recently redeveloped buildings.
The opening of the new facility rounds off a six-year redevelopment project for the George Forbes Building which also comprised structural strengthening of the central tower block and the creation of an expansive and vibrant new student social space in the south block, which opened in July 2020.
The reconstructed main entrance to Lincoln University features a wide and welcoming forecourt presided over by a pou created by Ngāi Tahu artist Fayne Robinson, opening into a remodelled internal space that reflects the needs of students and visitors, including state-of-the-art technology services.
The new student-focused areas extend to the Level 1 mezzanine floor, where the international and domestic student administration offices are co-located with a parents’ room, a wellness room for quiet reflection and a sensory room with neurodivergent-friendly features.
The Student Engagement Team, incorporating Marketing and Student Experience, have been relocated to the southern side of Level 1, in the former Council Room, which has been renovated and refurbished.
The new Student and Visitor Centre is part of Lincoln University’s wider Campus Development Programme which has delivered major projects such as the University’s award-winning science facility, Waimarie, opened in September 2023, the redevelopment of Whare Hākinakina Lincoln University Gym and the restoration of the earthquake-damaged Category 1 historic buildings Ivey West and Memorial Hall, reopened in February this year.
Further campus projects, including an ambitious and extensive decarbonisation programme which supports the University’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, the construction of a 1.5 MWp Energy Farm demonstrating high-value agrivoltaics, and an overarching visionary landscaping masterplan, are in various stages of development.
