New Downtown Campus to Bring Life to New Education and Arts District

Under a plan being proposed to Board of Control this week, Fanshawe College will be exploring opportunities to acquire, restore and renovate existing buildings in downtown London in order to establish a School for Applied and Performance Arts. To facilitate this and make it more affordable, the City will provide Fanshawe with access to a variety of financial incentives within a new district to be called the Education and Arts District.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Bernice Hull, Vice President of Administration for Fanshawe College. Fanshawe wants to be able to expand its programming and establish a centre of excellence for arts-related programming. A first-class School for Applied and Performance Arts will bring new life and vibrancy into London's downtown area."

"The possible expansion of Fanshawe College into downtown London could provide a unique catalyst for downtown revitalization as well as meeting the needs of Fanshawe College," said Victor Coté, London's General Manager of Finance and Corporate Services. "This plan is consistent with the city's downtown revitalization plans, as well as its priorities of heritage preservation and economic opportunities."

Under the plan, which is still to be approved by the City's Board of Control and Council, Fanshawe would phase in the development of the School for Applied and Performance Arts over a ten year period. Fanshawe hopes to locate up to 100,000 square feet of class room and theatre space that will accommodate 800 to 1,000 students with initial phases of development accommodating about 300 students.

If approved, the City of London will assist Fanshawe College with their plan by establishing the Education and Arts District, within which Fanshawe will be able to access grant equivalents of up to $100 per square feet to offset the increased cost for renovating existing heritage type buildings. In addition, the City will modify its tax grant program in this new district to include payment in lieu of taxes. The City will also encourage development of programming and facilities to attract youth into the Education and Arts District, including private and not-for-profit theatre, dance and music space directed at youth.

The Education and Arts District will encompass the areas from just south of Dundas Street at the south end, to Kent Street at the north, and Talbot Street on the west end to Clarence Street at the east end - click here for map (PDF*).