UBC Reports | Vol. 46 | No. 19 | November 30, 2000

UBC treks to Robson Square

Downtown facility realization of one of university's major Trek 2000 goals

Robson Square will be the home of UBC's new downtown campus. "UBC renewed its commitment to forging strong links with our communities in our Trek 2000 vision document," says UBC President Martha Piper.

"Extending into Robson Square is a bold step towards fulfilling this promise. It will enhance access to UBC for those who live or work downtown, and will position us closer to many organizations we serve, allowing us to bring new programming, knowledge and innovation right to their doorsteps."

"This is good news for everyone," says Paul Ramsey, minister of Finance and Corporate Relations. Ramsey is also the minister responsible for the BC Buildings Corp., the owners of Robson Square. "This downtown campus not only increases access to education and community learning opportunities in downtown Vancouver, it revitalizes Robson Square. This is a win-win agreement."

Establishing a downtown location with storefront accessibility and visibility was a key step outlined in the university's vision document in 1998.

UBC's downtown campus, to be called UBC at Robson Square, will feature career-based, lifelong learning such as high-tech training and management development seminars in addition to arts and public affairs lectures.

It will also create innovative opportunities for UBC professional development programs in such areas as law, applied science, health sciences, forestry and commerce.

The facility will also become the new home for UBC's community-based Women's Resources Centre, which has been in operation for more than 25 years and is currently located on Robson Street.

"This announcement continues the spirit of the 1922 Great Trek that led to the building of UBC's Point Grey campus," says UBC vice-president, Academic, Barry McBride. "It not only expands UBC's current downtown programs and services but also fulfill the vision for Robson Square as an intellectual, cultural and social hub of the city."

UBC plans to open the facility for classes in September 2001.

Under the 10-year renewable lease agreement, the university will begin renovations to the close to 7,200-square-metre space in May.