Expanding New Zealand's research support station in Antarctica

SCOTT BASE - HILLARY FIELD CENTRE

Since 1957, Scott Base has been New Zealand's permanent base in Antarctica, providing services and accommodation for scientific research parties, and groups who visit during summer.

Supporting New Zealand’s scientific and environmental effort in Antarctica, a three-year, $6 million project to upgrade the 1800 square-metre Hillary Field Centre includes an expansion, permanent lab and research facilities, and infrastructure for mobile field labs.

Scott Base is located on Ross Island, 3932 kilometres from Christchurch and 1500 kilometres from the South Pole. Hillary Field Centre was built in 2005, providing training, stores and logistics facilities for field party expeditions.

RLB provided estimating and cost management services, and procurement advice for construction, where logistical, program and physical constraints presented unique challenges. We also provided variation cost review for key design changes.

Image courtesy: Karl Johnson ©Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection, 2015-16.