Baker Street development may mean more study space for students
Discussion concerning the development of the Baker Street parking lot is underway. Along with the Parking Master Plan and the redevelopment of certain downtown streets, the Baker Street Development is part of the Downtown Renewal Project for the City of Guelph.
The City of Guelph is interested in turning the space into a public library and has been looking to the University of Guelph, Conestoga College, and the YMCA-YWCA to secure additional use of the location. There are a multitude of possibilities concerning what the lot could become, and the University of Guelph’s input is being taken into consideration.
The university has expressed interest in building a space for students to frequent downtown, specifically during the day. But what may not seem like a long trek when headed for a night out, may seem longer to go for study space. Tailoring the space for all faculties, however, could act as a selling point for certain students.
Ian Panabaker, the City Of Guelph’s corporate manager of the Downtown Renewal Project, told the Guelph Tribune that the space allotted for students may come in the form of a study area attached to the library.
Thornbrough Building and the Science Complex are most used by engineering students and science students, respectively. A study area available for students whose faculties do not already have an assigned space, would seem like a pressing initiative.
“It would make sense to have an area for unspecified students to work. It’s easy to feel like certain programs don’t have somewhere to belong on campus,” said Emma H, a fourth year student of English and Psychology.
A university outpost somewhere other than campus also gives students currently residing downtown a closer place to go, rather than making the journey to campus. Martha Larkin, a third year student of Arts and Science said: “I don’t know that it would be something of benefit to me, but I do think that it would be nice for people downtown to have somewhere closer to go to.”
Currently, the deliberation of the Baker Street Development is in the earliest preliminary stages.
It is hoped that the Downtown Renewal Project acts as an economic boon for the City of Guelph and not just a cosmetic renovation.