UCOL work on track

By Anne-Marie Emerson
WORK is on track at the new UCOL campus on Taupo Quay, with staff expected to move in early February.
UCOL's academic year starts on February 25.
Whanganui UCOL campus principal Suzanne Frecklington said contractors, many of them local firms, were making rapid progress on the campus.
"They are involved in demolition, excavation, pre-cast panels, roofing, windows and doors, electrical services, plumbing, heat and ventilation, wall cladding, data communications, brick laying, tiling, security, gas services and landscaping."
Ms Frecklington said the work was being done to a very high standard.
The new block facing Rutland St is well advanced, with internal acoustic panelling being installed along with data cabling and wall linings.
The building on the corner of Drews Ave and Taupo Quay is having original wood panelling reinstated and its floors levelled.
Modifications and improvements are being made to the fine arts buildings, which includes an extension to the printmaking building.
Plans to establish a temporary greenspace for recreational and leisure activities for staff, students and the wider public on the corner of Rutland St and Market Pl are also under way.
The old buildings on the site, which are unusable and a safety risk, will be demolished.
A temporary enrolment and information centre will operate from 15 Victoria Ave, opening on December 3 until February.