News
& Media
Press Release
November 6, 2019
University District Announces Groundbreaking of Central Park and New Retailers Joining the Community
University District continues a strong trajectory in building an innovative and visionary community in Calgary’s NW
Today, West Campus Development Trust (the Trust) announced the groundbreaking of its Central Park and the announcement of new retailers who will be calling University District home.
The three-acre central park will be the heart of University District and a four-season gathering place for social events, activities and everyday life. University District’s Central Park will feature a winter skating rink with a cooling system, a staging area for concerts, picnic area with tables and BBQ pits, a water fountain feature, interactive play feature for all ages, patio space, public washroom and showers for bike commuters, public plaza and underground parking. For the sake of comparison, University District’s Central Park will be roughly the same size as Calgary’s Shaw Millennium Park.
A rendering of University District’s Central Park. (Source: West Campus Development Trust)
“From the start, we have envisioned University District as a gathering place for people of all ages to interact, live and play,” says James Robertson, President and CEO of West Campus Development Trust. “We are in the third year of turning our ambitious vision into reality, and this groundbreaking is an important milestone. In addition to starting the construction of Central Park, we want to celebrate our many residential projects currently under development and a variety of retail, entertainment and service retailers who are preparing to open in 2020.”
A rendering of University District’s Central Park. (Source: West Campus Development Trust)
West Campus Development Trust also revealed that Staples, Pet Planet and Clever Daycare will be joining University District as retailers.
There are currently more than 1,000 residential units under construction in University District, with a variety of retailers slated to open in the summer of 2020, including Save-On-Foods, Analog Coffee, Freshii, Scotiabank, Pet Planet, Curious Hair Skin Body, Denim & Smith Barbershops, Press’d Sandwich Shop and Market Wines.
A rendering of University District’s Central Park. (Source: West Campus Development Trust)
Later in 2020, OEB Breakfast Co., YYC Cycle, Orangetheory, University District Dental, Five Guys and UC Noodles & BBQ will be open for business. Cineplex VIP Cinemas and Clever Daycare are scheduled to open in 2021.
The groundbreaking event included a ceremonial countdown, and also highlighted the many features of the park, including natural outdoor space, an events area, places to socialize and the opportunity to be active in any season.
The prime consulting team for the development of Central Park includes building design by Gibbs Gage Architects, and landscape architecture and urban design led by Civitas Inc. “The design for Block 23 and Central Park is truly unique. It merges landscape with buildings in the spirit of our Foothills geography, providing a wide array of places and activities in the park, as well as in and on the buildings to experience the heart of University District. We are sure it will be a place where unique memories are indeed mindfully made,” says Stephen Mahler, Partner at Gibbs Gage Architects.
A rendering of University District’s Central Park. (Source: West Campus Development Trust)
University District is quickly taking shape as a highly dynamic, connected, responsible and innovative community, becoming a new destination and landmark in NW Calgary. Over the past three years, University District has gone from concept to neighbourhood, with amenities, retailers and residences coming to life to create an enviable lifestyle and community. University District is LEED ND Platinum Certified and is attracting a wide variety of residents thanks to its accessibility, innovative design, convenience and proximity to significant health, higher education and retail facilities in the immediate area.
Visit myuniversitydistrict.ca for more information, or sign up for the newsletter to be notified about exciting announcements, updates and events from West Campus Development Trust.
About West Campus Development Trust
West Campus Development Trust (the Trust) was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development of the lands known as University District. With a financial model that provides an innovative approach to land development, profits from the Trust are directed back to the University to fuel its academic mission. Setting a high standard for sustainable neighbourhood design, the Trust has created and led a progressive community Master Plan for 200 acres of land. With quality, design and expertise at the forefront, its team and 14-member board of directors are dedicated to creating the city’s premier urban residential community. True to fundamental values of transparency, collaboration and mindful progress, the Trust is creating amazing places for people to thrive. Learn more at ucpg.ca.
About University District
To the west of the University of Calgary and overlooking the Bow River and Rocky Mountains, University District is a comprehensive 200-acre community with a bold new vision for urban life in Calgary. Through a collaborative, people-first design process, the master planning and thorough engagement program forged strong respect between local stakeholders and the Trust. The neighbourhood applies the best ideas in city design and incorporates the wants and needs of surrounding legacy communities – weaving current aesthetic, technology and lifestyle options into the strong social fabric of the city. For more information about University District, visit its Discovery Centre at 4410 University Ave. N.W., Calgary (just north of the Alberta Children’s Hospital) or go online: myuniversitydistrict.ca and visit Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, #UDLife.
Media Relations Contact:
Maureen Henderson
Director, Marketing & Communications
West Campus Development Trust
(403) 992-8388
Paula Worthington
Worthington PR & Story
(403) 585-2429