UBC/UEL Updates Discussion

[jlousa]

Interesting read, on a follow up to the SUB request put out last week.

1. Is there going to be a new Student Union Building at UBC Vancouver?

In March, 2008 UBC Vancouver's students voted in favour of funding a new Student UnionBuilding, on or near University Square. The University and the AMS subsequently developed a Memorandum of Understanding for this important project.

2. What does a new Student Union Building mean to UBC?

A new Student Union Building in this central location of the campus is a very positive andimportant project for our campus community. It will add valuable student social and clubspace to the campus and bring a very strong student presence to University Square.

3. Where is the new Student Union Building going to be located?

The new Student Union Building is intended to be located on the eastern side of University Square, adjacent to the Aquatic Centre. University Square is part of the University Boulevard Neighbourhood.

4. What planning work and agreements are in place for the University Boulevard Neighbourhood?

The University Boulevard Neighbourhood has a Neighbourhood Plan that is compliant with the Official Community Plan. UBC completed an AIBC-sanctioned competition for the entire Neighbourhood, and awarded the architectural services work to the winning team of HCM / MRY, subsequently amended to HCM / KPMB. UBC has architectural and related consulting contracts in place for the design work for the University Boulevard Neighbourhood buildings and public realm including University Square.

5. What is the status of agreements between UBC and AMS regarding the new SUB?

Four legal agreements are needed before this project can proceed. Those four agreements relate to: lease terms, finance terms, development / construction and surrender of the old SUB. These agreements are in various degrees of preparation; some agreements have not yet been drafted. Negotiations regarding the content of these agreements is ongoing.

6. What is the status of the Province's P3 screen to determine whether the project will be delivered through a public-private partnership?

This review is still in process.

7. Does the AMS RFEOI have the University's support?

No, the University does not support AMS's issuance of this RFEOI and was not involved in the preparation of the document. The University, through UBC Properties Trust, has contracts in place for architectural services and other consulting services for the University Boulevard Neighbourhood including University Square. Without the University's approval and cooperation, the AMS will not be able to implement this project.

8. What are the next steps in the development of the new SUB?

The legal agreements required to enable this project to proceed must be completed and approved by the UBC Board of Governors and AMS Council. The earliest this could occur is February 2009.