The University Community Centre (UCC) will be getting a facelift, the University Students’ Council (USC) announced this week. The three-phase renewal project will update some services, relocate others while rejuvenating the interior of the building.
Following consultation with more than 10,000 students this year, the USC passed a planning and vision document outlining students’ expectations of usable space and a campus atmosphere that encourages culture, creativity and student success. The USC’s capital plan, also passed at the time, will allow for the proposed renovations, expected to take place over the next five years.
The approved projects, in their respective phases, include:
Phase One
- Launch of Mustang Central info desk and website;
- New Spoke entrance;
- Investment in 5-10 Mustang Central self-serve kiosks that will provide the same services as Info Source;
- Relocation of the Purple Store to current location of Info Source;
- Ticket selling from Info Source to be relocated to UCC lower level next to InPrint;
- Replacement of furniture on UCC second and third floors;
- Opening of USC Conference Centre;
- Student art showcase in new USC Conference Centre and atrium.
Phase Two
- Student consultation on the future of the UCC;
- Adjustment of capital plan to accommodate student consultations.
Phase Three
- Unveiling of new student plan;
- Construction to begin on proposed improvements.
USC President Adam Fearnall said the USC aims to enrich the central hub of the UCC to showcase Western spirit and to provide a more appealing and functional space to display student culture, creativity and innovation. Phase One of the renovations is set to begin immediately and is to be completed by the end of September.
The tab for Phase One is estimated at $530,000 – an amount previously allotted for the renovations in the USC’s Capital Plan. Student fees will not go up to compensate for the renovations, Fearnall said.