PNGUoT AWARDS DESIGN CONTRACT FOR MULTIPURPOSE HALL
Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) has awarded a contract to Pacific Architect (PNG) Limited to deliver the full design and documentation for a new Multipurpose Hall that will seat between 3,000 and 4,000 people.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi said the multipurpose hall project is part of an overall master plan to develop and modernize the PNGUoT Campus. He expressed that with the expertise and experience Pacific Architects have; they will partner with the university to develop this aspect of the master plan.
“We want the university to look a certain way in terms of design and construction, all of which align with our strategic plan and overall vision to be a world-class university.”
The nine-month duration K4.9-million-kina contract covers concept, detailed design and contract documentation. It will include geotechnical investigation and cost estimation and all the requisites required for statutory certification by relevant authorities before construction can begin.
Planned for the oval between the university’s main entrance and the oil palm plantation, the hall is intended to host academic functions, school activities, sports and major events including the annual graduation. The design phase is the first stage of the university’s broader Master Plan to redevelop palm oil land into a modern “unicity” campus with expanded accommodation and upgraded teaching and infrastructure.
Pacific Architect (PNG) Limited through its subconsultant M&E Partnerships Ltd will provide integrated architectural, structural and engineering services and has pledged to support local capacity building through graduate training, skills upskilling, and prioritizing local employment and SME participation.
PA Managing Director Mr Rai Mou said it is a wonderful opportunity to participate in this process, highlighting that the company recruits’ architects from PNGUoT.
He reflected on the projects PA has undertaken over the years throughout PNG and indeed in Unitech, and in addition the technical expertise in building services engineering and structural civil engineering that M&E Partnerships Ltd, their subconsultants brings to the table.
“We are committed to the timely delivery of this project, and resource scaling.” A pre-commencement meeting and terms-of-reference review have been scheduled; PA will assemble a dedicated project team and PNGUoT’s project director will oversee execution and milestone tracking.
The Contract Documentation of the Unitech Multipurpose Hall is the first phase of the project to establish full engineered design, documentation and costing. The construction phase will follow after the full design and documentation is completed and certified by registered Architects, engineers and respective statutory bodies.
The agreement was signed on January 20th 2026 in the PNGUoT Council Room and is effective as of the date of signing.
