NSCAD University to Expand into Halifax Port Authority's Seawall Redevelopment
March 4, 2005
Halifax, NS - NSCAD University today announced plans to expand its programming into the Halifax Port Authority's Seawall Redevelopment in 2006.
"As a university, we must address the immediate needs of our students," said Paul Greenhalgh, President, NSCAD University. "The Halifax Port Authority property offered the best option in terms of convenience, safety and cost. And the Port's plans for redevelopment of the Seawall will place our students in the context of a vibrant arts district."
The expansion will allow NSCAD to develop appropriate facilities for its large-scale and semi-industrial activities, and develop new programs with specific physical plant requirements. NSCAD also requires more space to accommodate enrolment increases at the graduate and undergraduate levels. When the university moved to its main campus in Historic Properties in the 1970s, enrolment was less than 400 students, compared to the current level of nearly 1,000.
Although space planning has not been completed, NSCAD anticipates the expansion will house ceramics, sculpture, the woodshop, the metal shop and foundry, a new glassmaking studio, large project studios and a technology innovation centre. Both regular programming and some Continuing Studies courses will be offered at the new location.
A conditional agreement to lease has been entered into by NSCAD and the HPA. As part of the Halifax Port Authority's Seawall redevelopment, NSCAD will be an anchor for a new arts and culture district. Shed 21, a two-storey building beside the Pier 21 National Historic Site, will accommodate at least 50,000 square feet of new classroom and studio space. NSCAD plans to start renovation and construction in December 2005 and aims to begin offering classes at the site by September 2006.
"NSCAD is part of our planned new cluster of cultural industries, special events and institutions that are converging at the Halifax Seawall as part of a vibrant district with deep roots in the artistic community," said Ian Oulton, Chairman, Halifax Port Authority Board of Directors.
The Shed 21 site will become the third location in the university's downtown Halifax campus. NSCAD has played a central role in preserving and revitalizing Halifax's heritage waterfront district, starting with its ambitious restoration of an entire city block of 19th century buildings at Duke and Granville Streets. Since September 2003, NSCAD has offered its film program at the 127-year-old Alliance Atlantis Academy Building at 1649 Brunswick Street.
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NSCAD University is Canada's premier independent university dedicated to advancing the visual arts through education, research and production. Part of Nova Scotia's cultural landscape since 1887, NSCAD has offered graduate and undergraduate degrees in fine and media arts, craft and design for more than 30 years. NSCAD alumni are among Canada's most highly regarded artists, gallery directors, curators and art educators. Please visit www.nscad.ca for details.
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The HPA leads in the re-development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of almost $700 million and an employment impact of over 9000 direct and indirect jobs.
Over 10 years, the Seawall Redevelopment will create a great new waterfront destination featuring arts, culture, heritage, entertainment and tourism for both residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. Visit www.portofhalifax.ca.
For more information please contact:
Marla Cranston, Coordinator of Communications, NSCAD University
Telephone: 902.494-8244, Cell: 902.476-3567, E-mail: marlac@nscad.ns.ca
Telephone: 902.426.1060, Cell: 902.229.3236, E-mail: mpeveril@portofhalifax.ca
About Halifax Port Authority
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of almost $700 million and an employment impact of over 9000 direct and indirect jobs.
