Achieving a Renovation Goal
“We are going to build the most state of the art science faculty in South Africa”
This was the mission statement at the start of the ChemPharm project. It is safe to say that we have achieved this goal. ChemPharm has set the benchmark for science faculties for higher learning and we could not be more proud of the efforts made by everyone involved. The planning has taken years to manifest itself into what we see today. It marked the completion of a vision that places Rhodes University at the forefront of interdisciplinary research designed not just to teach, but to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Renovation Details
The major refurbishment project was completed in phases.
Project Goal:
To create a world-class science faculty and research precinct in South Africa, integrating chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
Integration:
The renovated building now physically links with the new Tebello Nyokong Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation (INI) building and the Biosciences building, facilitating interdisciplinary research and teaching.
Scope of work:
The project involved a full renovation of the existing six-story building, including new laboratories, modern offices, and a fully equipped mock hospital, while retaining the historic features of the administration section.
Timeline:
The initial refurbishment was officially launched in November 2014.
The brand new INI building was completed and formally opened around late 2024.
Phase two of the ChemPharm project, focusing on the admin and lecture theatres, commenced in March 2024 and was officially handed over around August 2025.
Impact:
The upgrades position Rhodes University at the forefront of research designed to tackle pressing global challenges, such as advanced cancer treatments and environmental sustainability.
Renovation complete!
See how the newly linked Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Building and the Nanotech Institute + Biosciences Building now form a unified hub for microbiology, chemistry, biotech, pharmacy, nanotech and more as the Department of Chemistry marked the launch of the new facility.