Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
Campus Bulletin
May 28, 2002
Science Complex approved, construction to begin this fall
Preparatory groundwork for the next element of the University's SuperBuild Growth Fund-supported project on the Guelph campus will begin the week of May 27, following approval of the Science Complex by the University's Board of Governors on May 23.
Construction of the Classroom Complex, the first element in the project, is well underway, and will provide lecture space for some 1,500 students from all colleges in state-of-the-art facilities which will be ready for the fall of 2003. The new teaching facility will give faculty from across campus access to the latest in computer-based multimedia equipment for the delivery of technology-assisted courses.
Together, the Classroom and Science complexes make up one of the largest projects in the University's history and will be instrumental in the provision of new space for the University's enrolment growth planned to accommodate the increased demand for university education.
The Science Complex, built to accommodate 2,600 faculty, staff and students, will bring together for the first time the Advanced Analysis and Training Centre, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics into one location.
Initial site preparation for Phase 1 of this project begins the week of May 27 with Guelph Hydro installing two hydro lines along Gordon Street, between Stone Road and College Avenue. Access to Parking Lot 2 and some parking spaces on the lot, between the Reynolds and Chemistry/Microbiology buildings, will be affected during this work. Appropriate alternative arrangements have been made for permit holders. When full construction for Phase 1 begins in fall 2002, parking Lot 2 will be closed permanently and its users will be relocated; details will follow later in the summer.
The Science Complex will be erected in phases. Phase 1 will result in an additional 163,000 square feet of teaching and research laboratory space. This will necessitate partial demolition of the northeast wing of the Chemistry/Microbiology Building. This work will also begin the week of May 27. A landscaping plan for the Science Complex will provide for replacement of trees, which will be removed as part of the demolition work.
Phase 2, which will result in an additional 210,000 square feet of teaching, research and ancillary space, including student common space, will begin in summer 2004. Completion and occupancy will also be in phases starting in spring of 2004 and ending in spring of 2006. Regular construction updates will be posted on the Toward 2010 website.
"During the Science Complex's multi-year building period, there will be unavoidable noise, dust and construction vehicle traffic which will cause some disruption to regular activities," says Nancy Sullivan, vice-president (finance and administration).
Barricades and signs will be installed to direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic. "We will do everything possible to minimize disruption," she adds. "But we do need the support of the University community in living with this activity which will result in new state-of-the-art classroom facilities and enhancement of our science facilities."
Provost Alastair Summerlee indicated that the University community can now turn its attention to facilities planning and renovation for other areas of the campus.
