Encompassing about 145 acres south of the main campus, College Quarter could potentially accommodate up to 3,000 new student residence beds situated among sports facilities, shops, restaurants, cafés, bookstores, grocery stores, offices, clinics, cultural destinations and green spaces. With the initial plan approved, the university will now embark on extensive community-wide consultation, with the City of Saskatoon engaged to help establish appropriate zoning for the mixed-use village.

“The intent of the College Quarter development is to create an inspirational student environment in a setting that will attract both university users and the surrounding community,” said Richard Florizone, vice-president, finance and resources. “The key component is student housing, and we are already building the first 400 beds, but we want to create a space that incorporates multiple uses and users.”

The master plan details a network of streets and paths that provide easy access to the main campus and surrounding community, a focus on preserving existing trees and creating new open spaces, an emphasis on all-season pedestrian use, and building and site design guidelines that will ensure a cohesive, high-quality image and environment.

The vision for College Quarter has been in development since 2006. Utilizing external consultants as well as internal expertise, the project has been refined in scope and potential usage through extensive consultation. Further consultation on the master plan will take place throughout 2010 with cost estimates and business plans to follow in 2011 and beyond. The plan will be available on the university’s website early in 2010.

“University of Saskatchewan land is one of our most valuable assets and by combining both an enriched student experience and revenue generation potential, College Quarter will make innovative and creative use of that endowment land,” said Florizone.

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For more information, contact:

Colleen MacPherson
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6610