Ivey Hall to be refurbished and earthquake strengthened

Ivey Hall is the campus’s most recognisable building, and is home to the University’s library. It is visited by hundreds of students and staff every day — as evidenced by a noticeable dip, worn down by countless footsteps, in the concrete step at the building’s entrance.

Ivey Hall was the original teaching, administration and residential building on the Lincoln campus, and its foundation date of 1878 is etched on the stonework above the entrance.

It is named after the first director of the School of Agriculture, William Edward Ivey (1838-1892). Designed by Frederick Strouts — a founding member of the Canterbury Association of Architects — the building’s architectural style is Jacobean, with characteristics of Flemish design.

Ivey Hall as it stands today has evolved through several construction stages since its original build. The central part of the building was first constructed between 1878 and 1880. A west wing for student accommodation was added in 1881, followed by an east wing in 1918. The adjacent Memorial Hall was then completed in 1923 as a war memorial. Following repairs and strengthening in the 1980s, a substantial extension along the southern side of Ivey Hall — known as the south block extension — was built in 1991-1992 using contemporary materials and colours that echo the design of the original structure.

The refurbishment works, to be undertaken in a 12-month project from 2026-2027, will comprise roofing and façade repairs externally, while internally the works will include recarpeting throughout the building and bathroom upgrades for the public areas and staffroom.

Earthquake strengthening

The refurbishment project will include structural strengthening works for the south block of Ivey Hall to bring it up to code as specified in the New Building Standard (NBS).

The south block will be boarded off once the collections and furniture have been relocated, and strengthening works are expected to begin in August 2026.

While the strengthening works are undertaken, the meeting rooms and study areas currently located in the south block, will be temporarily relocated to alternative areas of Ivey Hall and other campus buildings.