University of Regina looking for developers for College Avenue campus

The University of Regina is looking for some new tenants to join it on College Avenue.

A request that opened last week is asking for proposals from builders or developers for three parcels of land which are about two acres each – one just to the west, one to the east, and one between Darke Hall and the conservatory on the College Avenue campus.

“The site is incredible. It’s one of the best places in the city in terms of general accessibility to downtown, and to the legislative (building) and of course is in a beautiful environment,” said Dave Button, the vice-president of administration at the University of Regina.

The land would still be owned by the University so the developer would get a long-term land lease.

The university isn’t looking for just any developer though.

“We’re looking for things that are compatible with the cultural, the artistic, and the sort of office and teaching nature of College Avenue campus right now,” explained Button.

The request for proposals reads: “The University of Regina is interested not only in parties that can demonstrate that they have the capacity and experience to build a high quality product, but who can also show a commitment to integration with Wascana Centre with innovation and heritage considerations in design.”

In other words, no fast food outlets, restaurants, or bars.

“We’re hopeful that there’ll be something that will fit in there. We’re not looking for things that would detract or take away from either the university operation, or, indeed, the general operations in Wascana Centre in general.”

Any proceeds from the deal would go toward the $60 million worth of upgrades being done on the university’s College Avenue building, the conservatory, and Darke Hall. Fundraising for those renovations has raised about $7 million thus far.