Scott Base Redevelopment Regains Momentum
The project to redevelop Scott Base is regaining momentum, reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to our place in Antarctica and scientific research programme.
The Board of Directors has re-established the Scott Base Redevelopment (SBR) Sub-Committee to provide governance oversight for the project, and Adam Feeley has been appointed as the SBR Interim Project Director. Adam will step into the role immediately.
Adam was a member of the Independent Panel that reviewed the SBR project earlier this year. He is a lawyer by profession and has held a number of senior management positions, including chief executive roles for Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Serious Fraud Office.
“We are pleased to have Adam taking this role because he has the experience and the familiarity with the project that we need,” Board Chair Leon Grice said.
Cabinet will consider the proposed design reset in the coming weeks. This will inform a revised detailed business case for the redevelopment.
The proposed new plan, announced last month, is to build one new building; refurbish the Hillary Field Centre as a dedicated space for scientific work; extend the life of existing buildings where practical; and consider the feasibility of an additional new building for key plant and machinery.
The proposed plan also includes the development of a detailed masterplan that ensures the infrastructure can adapt to meet the changing needs of science and the impacts of the environment and climate change.
The new infrastructure would be constructed using methods such as prefabrication and small modular construction methodology that allows for containerised delivery and conventional shipping to Antarctica. Some of the new construction would also include conventional framing built onsite.
Background:
- The Scott Base Redevelopment was paused in 2023 as the construction of three interconnected buildings exceeded the $498 million budgeted.
- An Independent Panel was established to review the project. The report can be viewed here.
- The replacement of the Ross Island Wind Energy system continues as planned.
- The existing base has been modified so that operations can continue to support scientific research and other events alongside the redevelopment.