In just over two months, University Canada West will expand into a stunning new campus in Vancouver House, the iconic complex rising from the foot of the Granville Bridge.
“We’re thrilled to be able to teach students in these incredible, state-of-the-art facilities,” said UCW President Brock Dykeman. “We look forward to being part of this project’s future as it helps shape an entire community.”
When construction is complete, UCW will occupy two new buildings on both sides of the bridge. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, the striking, angular glass buildings will offer our students more than 90,000 square feet (8,400 square meters) of educational facilities, including the UCW Library, gathering and study spaces, classrooms, student lounges and outdoor terraces.
The first building will be ready for the start of UCW’s Summer 2020 Term on July 20. The second building will be ready by the start of the Fall 2020 Term on Oct. 19.
In addition to the bright, modern spaces inside the buildings, students will also have access to all the amenities of the Beach District, the new waterfront neighbourhood between the West End and Yaletown.
Steps from Sunset Beach and Vancouver’s seawall, the new district offers access to ocean views, green space and all of Vancouver’s urban amenities, including Fresh Street Market and London Drugs.
New restaurants and cafes, including Autostrada and Vancouver’s first location of chef David Chang’s Momofuku noodle bar, are set to open in the project this year.
With construction set to complete this summer, the area under and around the Granville bridge will feature shipping containers repurposed as pop-up retail space, food stands and market stalls.
The Beach District also features Rodney Graham’s six-metre Spinning Chandelier. The art installation – which spins downwards three times a day before rising again – is a draw for visitors and residents.
The Vancouver House development breathes life into a previously underutilized area of downtown Vancouver. The buildings, topped with green roofs, are designed to be among the most energy-efficient in Canada.
Accommodating more than 3,400 students, UCW will be the largest tenant in the complex.
“We’re excited that our students get to be a part of this new community in the centre of one of the world’s most liveable cities,” Brock said. “It’s a beautiful space to gain the skills they need to succeed.”
Because of the uncertainty around COVID-19, UCW still determining when students will begin classes on campus.
While UCW Vancouver House will be the new main campus, the UCW West Pender Campus, in the London Building at 626 West Pender St., will continue to operate.
