New Zealand has signed a construction contract with Wellington-based LT McGuinness to redevelop Scott Base, its Antarctic research facility, following a redesign of the project intended to keep costs within the government’s NZ$498m ($288.4m) budget.
This marks the resumption of a large-scale infrastructure initiative that had been paused for more than two years due to funding constraints.
The project will now enter its delivery stage after a full review and a reset of the original redevelopment plan.
The previous proposal was halted when it became clear the work could not be achieved within the approved funding.
In May 2026, the Cabinet approved a revised business case. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance gave authorisation for work to begin earlier in July, according to Antarctica New Zealand.
Under the new contract, the station’s capacity is set to rise from 5,000m² to about 6,500m².
The redevelopment includes a new Base Services Building of over 3,000m², refurbishment of the Hillary Field Centre to add 400m², and updates to core water, waste and power systems.
The facility will also include an enclosed elevated link connecting the new and existing sections. In addition, a wind farm overhaul and a new battery storage system will help increase renewable energy generation and improve grid stability for Scott Base and the neighbouring McMurdo Station.
Antarctica New Zealand chair Leon Grice said: “Our continuous presence and scientific programme in Antarctica are fundamental to New Zealand’s interests.
“Approval to Deliver and the construction contract marks the successful completion of the reset of a major public infrastructure project. And it begins the next generation in the Scott Base legacy.”
Grice added that the original scope and functionality of the base remain intact, supported by contingency allowances and ongoing quantity surveying.
Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Jordy Hendrikx said: “We have now completed planning, design and procurement. We have confidence in the design, confidence in the commercial arrangements and confidence that the project is ready to move into delivery, while remaining within the government's approved funding envelope.”
LT McGuinness company director Dan McGuinness said: “The Early Contractor Engagement process enabled our team to work alongside Antarctica New Zealand on construction, logistics and engineering issues.
“Together we have developed a simpler, more buildable project with greater certainty around design, programme, logistics and cost.”
Construction is planned for the Antarctic summer season, with an on-site work window of about 100 days each year.
Completion of the first phase of building is planned for 2030.
The redevelopment is guided by a new masterplan designed to ensure the base’s adaptability for scientific and environmental needs over the next five decades.
