Douglas College plans $292M campus housing project
It would be the largest post-secondary housing project targeting students and local renters in B.C.
A rendering shows the design of a campus housing project planned for New Westminster, B.C. – Province of B.C.
Key Takeaways:
- One of B.C.’s largest campus housing projects ever is being planned for Douglas College.
- The $292-million project is expected to get underway next year in New Westminster.
- It will feature 368 student beds, classrooms, collaboration space, labs, offices and more.
The Whole Story:
The $292.5-million project received $202.3 million in provincial funding, while Douglas College provided $90.2 million. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023, with anticipated completion in summer 2026.
Officials say building will be constructed using natural products, including stone and wood, in accordance with the province’s CleanBC plan.
The 20-storey building with 368 student beds, academic space and parking will be the school’s first on-campus housing.
“Students at Douglas College have told us everything we need to hear. They need access to affordable housing so they don’t have the barrier of long commutes and expensive rent,” said Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training. “I’m incredibly excited by this project and historical investment by our government. We’re going to change lives, both at Douglas College and in New Westminster.”
The new building will have 368 student beds in one-, two-, and four-bed units, as well as academic space, including new classrooms, student collaboration space, labs and offices, and food services.
Officials said that with classes moving to the new academic building, space will become available for other purposes, including a potential expansion of the college’s child care facility.
