Opening of new UBC Student Union Building delayed again

The new centrepiece of the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver Point Grey campus will not be opening until April 2015 – at the end of term two.

According to campus newspaper The Ubyssey, the new UBC Student Union Building’s (SUB) opening date has been delayed for the third time due to issues with construction on the exterior of the building. The Alma Mater Student Society has also indicated that it will require time to move into the building upon receiving access to it in March.

The building was originally scheduled for a September 2014 opening, in time for the start of the current school semester, but the date has already been moved twice to January 5 and then February 23.

The $107-million project was approved through a student body vote and is largely funded by a hike in student fees. The five-storey building, located adjacent to the existing SUB, consists of 200,000 square feet of new spaces for student gatherings, studying, recreation, clubs, food and retail. The old SUB’s basement level, about 50,000 square feet, will be renovated and retained for SUB usages.

What will happen to the old SUB?

Once the new SUB opens, the old 1968-built building will be closed to undergo a $58-million renovation to convert it into the UBC Life Building.

The first two floors of the old SUB will be utilized for purposes including counselling, health and wellbeing programs, academic and career advising, international and experiential learning, athletic facilities, informal learning spaces and food services.

Approximately 35,000 square feet of space will also be repurposed for UBC Athletics and Recreation, with amenities such as a fitness centre, studio, spin room, four squash courts, two badminton courts and a table tennis area.

Construction on the new SUB building began in 2012 and is among a number of new major buildings and facilities being built on campus. Renovations on the old SUB, for conversion into the UBC Life Building, will begin in winter 2015 for a completion in 2016.

Feature Image: UBC AMS