±«Óătv plans to begin site preparation for a new student residence in Halifax next spring to increase student housing capacity on campus.
The six-storey facility, expected to open in 2027, will accommodate approximately 200 students and be located behind the ±«Óătv Arts Centre in the heart of Studley Campus.
Dal’s Board of Governors approved proceeding with the detailed design of a new residence at a meeting in late August. A request for proposal is being released Monday (Sept. 9), inviting teams of architecture and building firms to bid on project design and construction.
"Last fall, we committed to breaking ground on new student housing within 24 months. Twelve months later, we are excited to announce this new residence, which aims to provide students with more housing options and support the growth of vibrant, sustainable communities in our province,” says ±«Óătv President Kim Brooks.
±«Óătv is required under its funding arrangement with the Province of Nova Scotia to add near-term capacity and have plans to provide accommodations for at least 15 per cent of its student population. The construction of this new residence will achieve that target based on current enrolment.
Increasing options for students
The chosen site for the new residence, an L-shaped piece of land bordering Henry and Seymour Streets, provides a central on-campus location close to University Avenue and other ±«Óătv buildings.
Housing options will include furnished one-bedroom nano-units, standard one-bedroom units, and other configurations equipped with in-suite kitchen, bathroom and possibly laundry facilities — addressing feedback from students for more apartment-style options for on-campus living.
“We know that many upper year students who wish to live near campus are challenged to find housing. We heard what students were interested in and are excited to offer more housing options that will appeal to upper-year and mature students,” says Linda Parker, assistant vice president of housing and campus connections.
To make room for the residence, a collection of small houses known as Mini-Residence that currently sit on part of the site will be removed in spring 2025 following the current academic year. ±«Óătv’s Environmental Health and Safety Office and the ±«Óătv Faculty Association, currently located on the site, will be relocated to new spaces prior to construction.
While the total cost of construction has yet to be determined, the project will ultimately be financed using external debt and repaid through residence fees. Further details will be shared as we move through the project design phase.
Now read
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- Gimme ShelterĚý— Dal experts weigh in on the path ahead for housing, one of Canada's most pressing social and economic issues.Ěý(from the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of DAL Magazine)