New Zealand has contracted LT McGuinness to rebuild Scott Base after a redesign brought the project within a NZ$498 million (US$288.4m) budget. The revised plan increases the station from about 5,000 m² to 6,500 m², adds a 3,000 m²+ Base Services Building and refurbishes the Hillary Field Centre. Upgrades include modernised utilities, a wind farm overhaul and battery storage; construction will be seasonal with phase one due in 2030.
NZ Awards NZ$498m Contract To Rebuild Scott Base — LT McGuinness To Lead Redevelopment
The redevelopment includes a new Base Services Building of over 3
New Zealand has awarded Wellington-based contractor LT McGuinness a NZ$498 million (US$288.4 million) construction contract to redevelop Scott Base, the country's Antarctic research station. The project was redesigned and reset after a full review so it could be delivered within the government's approved funding envelope and now moves into the delivery stage.
Project Scope And Upgrades
Under the revised plan the station's total floor area will expand from roughly 5,000 m² to about 6,500 m². Key components include a new Base Services Building of more than 3,000 m², refurbishment of the Hillary Field Centre with approximately 400 m² of additional upgraded space, and upgrades to core water, waste and power systems. An enclosed elevated link will connect the new and existing sections to improve circulation and logistics.
The redevelopment also features a major overhaul of the wind farm and installation of a new battery storage system to boost renewable energy generation and stabilise the local grid shared with neighbouring McMurdo Station.
Timeline, Delivery And Design
Cabinet approved the revised business case in May 2026, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance authorised work to begin in July. Construction will be limited to Antarctic summer seasons with an on-site work window of about 100 days per year. The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in 2030.
The project follows a new masterplan designed to keep Scott Base adaptable to scientific needs and environmental standards for the next 50 years. The reset preserves the original scope and functionality while adding contingency allowances and ongoing quantity surveying to control cost and risk.
"Our continuous presence and scientific programme in Antarctica are fundamental to New Zealand's interests," said Antarctica New Zealand chair Leon Grice. "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."
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 logistics will be constrained by seasonal access, specialised Antarctic engineering requirements and close coordination with US operations at McMurdo Station. The redevelopment aims to strengthen New Zealand's long-term research capability on the continent while reducing the base's environmental footprint.
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