This release was issued under a previous government.
Budget 2014 contributes $30 million over the next three years to build the Centre for Arts and Culture at MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus. This expansion will allow the University to consolidate its operations in the downtown core and allow for growth to more than 17,000 students from its current 13,000-student body.
“Just like the University’s name sake, Grant MacEwan, we believe in the value of education and ensuring the success of Alberta students. 2013 was the 20th anniversary of MacEwan’s downtown campus and our government is proud to help it start its next 20 years with this important investment.”
“This expansion puts students first by consolidating classes downtown. Students will have greater access to the services they need to be successful, including modern facilities, recreation centres, libraries, residence and more amenities. MacEwan University is an important partner in Campus Alberta and I’m excited that the university will be able achieve its vision of a single, sustainable downtown campus.”
"This signals a turning point for MacEwan University. Our downtown campus strategy brings all our students together to share in the resources of our City Centre Campus and the richness of the emerging arts district. Our creativity and scholarly work will contribute to the growth of culture and the prosperity of Edmonton as we provide the very best in undergraduate education."
The expansion will consolidate programs and classes currently spread out at MacEwan University’s West End and Mill Woods campuses in Edmonton. The new five-storey building will be home to the University’s visual and performing arts programs and will provide teaching space to accommodate anticipated future growth. It will be built to silver LEED standards and be connected to the rest of campus by a pedway.
By centralizing in downtown Edmonton, students currently attending the other campuses will have access to the full scope of programming at the downtown campus along with increased access to fitness facilities, varsity athletics, student clubs, libraries, food services, and other ammenities. Additionally, the University expects to save approximately $1.8 million a year once classes and operations are fully established.
The total cost of construction is estimated at $153 million. The remaining cost will be paid for by the sale of the West End and Mill Woods campuses along with internal university resources, parking revenue, retail leasing agreements, and private fundraising.
Construction is expected to start this summer with the new campus building open for students in the fall of 2017.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Multimedia
Photo Gallery: Renderings of the MacEwan expansion
Event photos will be available after the announcement.