With over 100 years of history, Hillside has long played an important role in Dunedin’s engineering sector. Around 1200 people once worked at the site during the 1940’s however this number slowly reduced down to fewer than 10 people in recent times.
The proposed refurbishment of the site is both transformational and aspirational. It importantly seeks to secure and retain Hillside’s presence in South Dunedin. Fundamental to the vision for a new Hillside is bringing together all local staff as ‘one KiwiRail’ and expressing the diverse cultures throughout the project’s narrative. Industry, history and legacy are key features of the design rational.
Under the redevelopment a new mechanical hub, shared office and amenities building, and network services buildings are being built along with new external stores, parking and railway yard replacement.

Studio 4 Architects is contracting to WSP Architecture on this project.