Revamp for university buildings

Two of Palmerston North's architectural gems are set for an $18 million revamp, with Massey University hoping to raise half the funds from the public.

The Old Main Building and Refectory on the Massey University campus are in line for major restorations if the institution can raise $9 million in donations.

Massey is pledging the first $9 million towards the project, which will see the two heritage buildings – along with the newer Tiritea House, formerly the vice-chancellor's residence, and old registry offices – earthquake-proofed and refurbished.

In a speech to gathered academic "glitterati" on campus yesterday, vice-chancellor Steve Maharey said the university's charity, the Massey University Foundation, would ask past students and supporters for donations.

This was the university's first big fundraising project, and was necessary if Massey wanted to provide internationally competitive facilities, he said.

"We feel like it's our obligation as a university to lift our game.

"What we want people to do when they come to this campus is to get a flavour of the origins of where this university comes from."

The Old Main Building was designed in 1931 by American architect Roy Lippincott and was originally used for all lectures and tutorials at what was then the Massey Agricultural College.

Documents from the Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust describe its design as early 20th-century American Collegiate style, adapted to New Zealand by the inclusion of decorative, indigenous motifs.

Heritage features include the elaborate entrances, wrought-iron gates, bronze light fittings and plaster relief panels inside.

The upgrade would aim to restore it to some of its "former glory", widening the hallways and creating a majestic space for teaching humanities and social sciences, Mr Maharey said.

The Refectory was also designed by Lippincott, and built in early 1930 in the Spanish Mission style, characterised by tile roofs, plastered walls and semi-circular windows.

Back then it was the social hub, where staff and students slept and dined.

It is now used for lectures, but Mr Maharey said it would become the "face of the institution" as the university's head office, replacing University House.

A main focus of the work would be seismic strengthening to bring the buildings into compliance with the Government's earthquake code before 2029.

The buildings had not been strengthened since the 1930s, although they were not believed to present any danger to students, a university spokesman said.

The work is expected to take two years.