By Sean Meyer
A week ago Fanshawe College made a big splash by unveiling plans to officially begin assembling its new downtown arts campus.
Wednesday (Sept. 28), the University of Western Ontario (UWO) joined the parade to the downtown by making it known they also have a piece of property in mind ? London City Hall.
During a presentation to the Finance and Administration Committee, UWO president Amit Chakma stated the university?s desire to explore whether the existing city hall could become part of Western?s long-term plans to build an education centre on Reg Cooper Square.
Chakma said while UWO already operates its continuing education program out of Citi Plaza, they have a definite desire to expand operations further into the city?s downtown area. Last year, 2,500 students participated in the program
?In many ways, we believe creating an education city in the City of London will attract talented people. A vision for a city that embraces education will make London home to many talented people,? Chakma said. ?We believe an expanded presence of Western in a prominent location, not hidden away, but in a visible location, will enhance the city?s image as an education city.?
It addition to playing a strong role in creating that education city image, Chakma said UWO?s desire to move into the downtown in more significant way is also to accommodate the university?s ongoing expansions. Even as the university continues construction on a new 1,000-bed residence, the president pointed out Western?s ongoing development could be choked off by a lack of space to continue that growth.
?We are running out of usable land because we have grown. Many years back, the debate was how big Western should become,? Chakma said. ?We had it when we had 5,000 students. We had the debate when the number was 10,000. We are having that debate at 30,000 students. My prediction is Western will continue to grow.?
Chakma said the university is eager to explore downtown options and he understands this is only just the beginning of such conversations.
Mayor Joe Fontana hailed Chakma for having an incredible vision for the university and downtown London. An already strong proponent of the education city concept, the mayor added these kinds of discussions would continue the long relationship between the city and UWO.
?We are inextricably joined at the hip. A successful, growing Western with international and professional programs, graduate programs, is going to be absolutely fantastic for the city,? Fontana said. ?A successful, growing, dynamic city is important for the university as well. I think our vision of an education centre, capital of Canada, if not North America, with Western, with Fanshawe, an international high school, that is a vision worth exploring.?
Source: http://www.londoncommunitynews.com/2011/09/uwo-takes-aim-at-city-hall/
bradley cooper ellen acl doc martin doc martin ohio state university ohio state university
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.