Rebuilding Scott Base

Antarctica New Zealand has hired project director Jon Ager to lead the Scott Base Redevelopment project and manage Antarctica New Zealand’s engineering portfolio.

Work is expected to start this year. Jon says the capability that a redeveloped Scott Base will provide the scientific community will be invaluable.

Previously he was Director of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme at the British Antarctic Survey. He led a programme of work that delivered the Sir David Attenborough polar research vessel and supporting infrastructure, including new wharves on the continent and in South Georgia. He also commenced the construction of a new science operations facility – the Discovery Building – at Rothera Research Station, despite the impact of Covid-19.

The redevelopment will:

• Replace the existing base with three interconnected buildings
• Upgrade the Ross Island wind farm.
• Accommodate up to 100 people
• Include accommodation, dining and welfare building, a science and management building, and an engineering and storage building.
• Be built in the same location as the existing base on Ross Island.