Queen's University, Queen's Centre, Phase 1

PCL has been awarded the first phase of construction for the Queen's Centre located at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  Phase I of one of the largest capital building projects ever undertaken by Queen's or any Canadian University, is estimated to cost approximately $160 million and will be constructed in three phases, with the first phase to be completed in 2009, the second phase in 2012 and the third by 2014.  The Queen's Centre will be located in the heart of the Queen's campus, bound by University Avenue, Union Street, Division Street and Earl Street.

The university's plan for its largest-ever building project is designed to house athletic, recreation, academic and student life facilities in the heart of its campus.  The new facilities seek to improve inadequate student life, athletics and recreation facilities recognized as a competitive issue as the university seeks to attract student and faculty from around the world.

Phase 1 includes parcels D, E, F and G incorporating an aquatic centre, varsity gymnasium, fitness and weight centre, and additional classrooms and lecture theatres.

The aquatic centre will include a new pool which will be 37.5 metres by 25 metres (80 percent larger than the exisiting pool) and has the capacity for 150 spectators. In addition, appropriate depths ensure that waterpolo, synchronized swimming, water aerobics, and the competitive swim program will all meet their respective requirements. An adjustable bulkhead further allows for multiple activities in the water at the same time.  The pool will be located at the north end of the Centre, near University and Earl.

Situated at the north end of the Centre, near Earl and Division, The Varsity Gymnasium will be home court for Queen's varsity and intramural basketball and volleyball. The Gym allows up to 2000 spectators to enter at concourse level and move down to their seats, encouraging unobstructed views of the action.  In between major events the seating may be retracted opening up a second court for practice or simultaneous use.  Appropriate acoustic out-fitting and quality finishes make this ore than just a sporting venue as it would have the ability to host any number of events from speakers and concerts, to convocation. 

Located between the Pool and Gymnasium, the Fitness and Weight Centre offers double the area of the current fitness facilities with 2,392 square metres of multi-purpose flooring. The Centre will include cardio-fitness equipment, weights and strength training equipment and a Wellness Centre.  Also included in the Fitness area are 8 international regulation size squash courts and 2 racketball courts. The courts are glass backed for viewing and 2 of the courts have seating capacity.

The School moves out of the labyrinth of hallways at the Physical Education Centre and takes a prominent academic location as a stand-alone building, of approximately 7,000 square feet, on the corner of Union and Division streets. Greatly increased space reflects the current and future expansion of the program. New and enhanced labs, and break out rooms, and two large lecture theatres reflect the quality and strength of the School, and make it a premiere facility.