NELSON — Ground has been broken on the student commons phase of the $18.9 million Selkirk College Silver King Campus refresh project that will breathe new life into the Nelson facility that has delivered critical education and training opportunities to learners for more than 50 years.
Featuring a new cafeteria, multi-purpose open study area and student services offices, the student commons building is a critical piece of the project that is also overhauling shop spaces for trades training.
“The renovations in the shop spaces continues and is coming along nicely, but that work is not very visible,” says Selkirk College Vice President of College Services Gary Leier. “The student commons portion of the project is a new build which is going to be much more obvious to those who pass by the campus in the coming weeks.”
The Silver King Campus first opened in 1964 as the BC Vocational School and merged with Selkirk College in 1975. More than a half-century old, the Silver King Trades Campus renewal project will cost $18.9 million.
Funding includes a $10.34 million investment by the Government of British Columbia and a $5.84 million infusion by the Government of Canada in addition to $1 million from Selkirk College, and $1.72 million from donations and industry sources.
The new commons building will enhance the student experience and provide an important hub at the Silver King Campus. The student commons building will be constructed adjacent to the existing administration building which is scheduled to be removed at project completion.
“Today’s post-secondary experience is much different than when that campus was originally built in 1964,” says Leier. “The shop spaces are where the students work towards building their skills, but they require other services and amenities to help complete their educational foundation. This new building will help round out what we offer at the Silver King Campus.”
General contractor Yellowridge Construction is heading up both the shop renovations and the new build. There are currently 35 people working on the project that broke ground in October, 2016. By September that number is expected to be more than 100, the large majority of the workers by that time will be sub-trades.
Back in June, an important milestone was reached when the new welding shop opened to students and instructors. Over the coming weeks and months, construction crews will put the finishing touches on the heavy mechanical, millwright/machinist and electrical shops. Construction of a new carpentry building is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
The Silver King Campus renewal project is slated for completion in Spring, 2018. All trades and other programs continue to run at full capacity during the construction period. You can find out more information on how to start your educational journey at Selkirk College online at: http://selkirk.ca/school/industry-and-trades-training