Trent University and the Trent Central Student Association are delighted to announce plans to move forward with a new $15 million Student Centre, following approval in principle by the University’s Board of Governors on December 5, 2014.
Envisioned as an opportunity to enhance Trent’s well-known outstanding student experience, the highly-anticipated Student Centre will now proceed with a request for proposals for architect selection, working toward an anticipated opening date of September 2017.
Trent students are the driving force behind the new building voting in the spring of 2013 in favour of a levy to help construct the Student Centre which will provide students with a place to study, socialize and get involved. A complement to the four residential Colleges on the Symons Campus, the Centre will enable a new era of participation in clubs, groups and extra-curricular activities, providing additional space for the thousands of on and off-campus students.
The Student Centre will be located on the West Bank of Symons Campus between the Bata Library and the Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre. Specific programs and features of the Student Centre will include:
- Central hub for promotion of TCSA services, clubs and groups, and other student programs
- Formal and informal spaces for student study and social interaction
- Offices and meeting space for student clubs and levy groups
- Expanded Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) offices and related services
- Teaching and performance space in a 500-seat multi-purpose classroom/theatre
- Student and alumni Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted by the Career Centre
- Vendor and retail operations, food services, dining and entertainment spaces
“The Student Centre addresses an important need for students on our Symons Campus. I think they will be rewarded with a centre that greatly enriches their time at Trent,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The University supports the TCSA and student body in moving these plans forward and will do everything it can to extend the impact of the student levy.”
“Dedicated student space has been a vision for many years at Trent and I am overjoyed this project is now moving forward,” added Braden Freer, president of the TCSA. “The overcrowding at Bata Library affects students trying to study or work on group projects, and the need for space for clubs and groups is well understood. I am really excited about potential for a stronger student body with a new building designed for our needs.”
The total budget for construction of the building is $15 million, with $10.5 million net contribution from the student levy and $4.5 million from the University and other funders. “The University will actively pursue other opportunities for support from donors, alumni and government to supplement funds raised from the student levy,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, external relations and advancement. “More than $1 million has already been raised by the University towards construction of the Centre.”
The request for proposal (RFP) for the architect was issued on MERX on Monday, December 8. Noting “Trent’s commitment to architecture that has an organic connection to the landscape and inspires interactive learning and collegial communities,” the RFP seeks proposals that address not only the specific uses envisioned for the centre, but calls for ‘inspired architecture’ that complements the adjacent facilities and Ron Thom architecture, promotes sustainable development, achieves at minimum the LEED silver standard, and is responsive to the diversity of the student body.
In the New Year, to build upon the initial planning report by Educational Consulting Services in March 2013 on possible uses and activities to be incorporated into the centre, a series of open conversations will be held with students, staff, faculty and alumni to answer questions about the project and gather input on the building and design. The architectural services firm will be selected by a committee with representatives from students, staff, faculty, board and alumni and approved by the Board of Governors in late February.
Posted on Monday, December 8, 2014.