Cheaper to build on campus

It is claimed that building a new music school at the Arts Centre will cost no more than building at Ilam. This quite simply does not stack up. In order to build at the Arts Centre, the university is committing itself to pay a ground rental for as long as it uses the building.  This is not required on its own campus.  In addition, resource management costs will inevitably be much greater on this site, for while no-one is likely to object to what the university does on campus, many are passionately opposed to what is planned for the Arts Centre.  The cost of monitoring during construction of the building will also be much higher at the Arts Centre because of possible risk to the adjoining heritage buildings from vibration, changes to the water table or accidental damage by cranes or vehicles working on site.  

Then there is the issue of duplication of facilities though the construction of a new library, an auditorium and lecture spaces. Because the university has a policy of closing branch libraries, it is unlikely that a new building on campus would include provision for a library.  Common lecture spaces would also be able to be used. Most extravagant of all is the duplication of an auditorium.  The university already has a good 300 seat auditorium with sound acoustics at the former College of Education.   The Ngaio Marsh Theatre has a capacity of 435, though the acoustics are less satisfactory.  (Note that this theatre was designed by the same architect as that of the proposed new auditorium!)   The present music school also has a small performance area suitable for recitals and chamber music.  Profligate duplication of resources is socially irresponsible and will have to be paid for by someone.  There is no such thing as a free lunch as any economist will tell you.  The university should be setting an example of maximizing efficiency. A conservatorium does not need to have its own auditorium. Suitable venues can be hired according to need.