Multipurpose ‘Living Learning Centre’ to be built on campus

The University has approved construction of a new multipurpose building that includes a student residence, new classrooms and much-needed student activity and lounge space.

Construction will begin next year on the 12-storey, 359,000 square-foot Living Learning Centre, to be located at the site of buildings T-28 and T-29.

The $118M project is being financed by the University. It will provide residence accommodations for 500 first year and upper year students.

Research shows that students who stay in residence develop stronger relationships and support networks, leading to a more positive overall student experience.

“McMaster is one of only two universities in Ontario that cannot guarantee residence to all first-year students because we don’t have enough space,” said Sean Van Koughnett, Dean of Students. “Residence is an important factor in enabling student success, and 500 residence beds will go a long way toward meeting the demand for this type of experience.”

The building will also be home to the Student Wellness Centre, Student Accessibility Services and the Children’s Centre daycare, which was temporarily relocated to the west side of campus after construction began on L.R. Wilson Hall.

“The Living Learning Centre won’t just be a residence,” said President Patrick Deane. “It will address some of the student activity and study space issues identified in the 2011 campus capacity study.”

That study identified significant campus shortages of student health services space and student study, lounge and meeting space.

The Living Learning Centre will also include dining facilities and one level of underground parking.

Its completion is targeted for September 2019.