The Strand, 131 10th Street. (Ashlyn Pearce/The Quill)
On Monday, December 12th, 2016, Brandon University acquired local historical site, the former Strand Theatre property. The Strand Theatre is located on the 100-block of 10th Street in Brandon’s downtown district, and BU took possession of the property deed from Landmark Cinemas for the price of $1.00 CAD. In BU’s official press release on December 12th, President Gervan Fearon explained that the Academic Plan of the university promotes community engagement, and the acquisition of The Strand will be “a catalyst for community growth and development.”
“This property will help us to further meet student needs, to broaden our academic programming engagement with the community, and to play a role in the revitalization of the downtown core.” Fearon said in the same press release, adding, “Landmark Cinemas has been outstanding to work with throughout this process, and we are very pleased that they share our vision for education and development in Brandon’s core.”
Neil Campbell, Landmark Cinema’s President and CEO is a Brandon University alumnus of the class of 1973, and along with Brian McIntosh, Executive Chairman of Landmark Cinemas brokered the deal with BU in an effort to continue Landmark’s tradition of entertaining the people of Brandon. The acquisition adds a nearby downtown element to BU’s central 18th Street location, and is intended to provide the university community with new, better access to civic amenities.
While there currently is no definite plan as to the use of The Strand, Brandon University is committed to working together with the university community, the City of Brandon, Renaissance Brandon, and other partners to put the property to the best use possible.
“We’re excited to see the plans as they develop, and happy to work with faculty and administration to find the best use for this needed space. We already have some ideas, such as student residences and student family housing, which would be ideal given the location right across from Princess Park and recreational facilities.” BUSU President Nick Brown said in the December 12th press release.
The plans for the building are expected to become more clear upon the completion of the Campus Master Plan, slated around mid-2017.
Republished from The Quill print edition, Volume 107, Issue 16, January 4, 2017.