NAIT acquires Blatchford land for campus growth and consolidation

NAIT acquires Blatchford land for campus growth and consolidation

Published on February 06, 2019

Historic agreement with the City of Edmonton will see main campus grow to meet polytechnic's needs for the next century

EDMONTON – NAIT’s footprint is growing to meet the current and future needs of Alberta. The polytechnic’s main campus will almost double in size with the acquisition of two key parcels of land from the City of Edmonton.

NAIT has acquired 13.27 hectares (32.79 acres) on the Blatchford development site to the west of main campus at Princess Elizabeth Avenue and 109 Street, along with an option to purchase a further 3.23 hectares (eight acres) to the southwest. NAIT has also purchased the city’s former Westwood Transit Garage to the north, for a total of about 21.5 hectares (53 acres).

The new land will allow the polytechnic to plan for future growth to meet the needs of students and industry partners for decades to come. A student residence is expected to be one of the first developments on NAIT’s Blatchford land. A skills centre is in the early planning stage for the Westwood land.

NAIT’s long-term vision includes consolidating all programs at main campus except for those that require large open spaces, such as Crane and Hoisting, which will remain at the Spruce Grove campus.

A long-term plan to consolidate on main campus will significantly enhance students’ experience and allow NAIT to operate more efficiently while being an integral part of a vibrant, sustainable community.

QUICK FACTS

  • NAIT opened in 1963 with nine buildings.
  • NAIT currently has 29 buildings across several campuses.
  • The newly acquired Blatchford land includes 13.27 hectares (32.79 acres), stretching west and north from the current main campus.
  • The Westwood Transit Garage land includes 4.8 hectares (11.89 acres) immediately north of main campus.

LEARN MORE

Link to map, animation and historic photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/svy9vwmidtodm69/AABEvFUUdQrFfQ_K0bPaXfxJa?dl=0

QUOTES

Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT President and CEO
“This will be transformational for NAIT, for our students and for our city, serving our land needs well into the future. This will allow us to fulfill our vision and be part of one of the most progressive, vibrant and exciting communities in Canada.”

Don Iveson, Mayor, City of Edmonton
“This is a huge step forward for Blatchford, for NAIT, and for the City of Edmonton. With NAIT expanding and anchoring our Innovation Corridor at the east end of the new Blatchford neighbourhood, they can bring their expertise in academics and alternative energy to enhance student and resident experiences there.”

Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta
“Our government is proud to help develop the Blatchford area, which will make Edmonton an even better place to live. Construction projects and development like the NAIT expansion lead to high-paying and good quality jobs for Albertans, while helping NAIT keep pace with growing demand and ensure that bright minds continue to flock to Edmonton for their education. This land deal will transform NAIT’s campus and the surrounding community for generations to come.”

Ray Martin, Chair, NAIT Board of Governors
“I am so pleased we have reached an agreement with our partners – the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton – to acquire land at Blatchford. I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make today a reality.”

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With nearly 40,000 credit and non-credit students and a 95 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to the provincial economy. NAIT also contributes to Alberta’s prosperity by helping business and industry become more competitive with Industry Solutions offered through its Productivity and Innovation Centre, including technology adoption, business and product innovation and industry-driven research. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

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