New aerospace campus coming to Downsview

  • 2015-08-10
Construction of a new campus of Centennial College is slated to begin this coming fall in Downsview.

Plans for the Downsview Park Aerospace Campus include providing training in the field for as many as 900 students at once. The 130,000 square foot facility will be built in what used to be the de Havilland Aircraft of Canada building, which built aircraft for use during World War Two. It was also home to the Canadian Air and Space Museum until 2011.

Originally scheduled for demolition, it was decided to re-purpose it into an educational institution. It will be the fifth campus for Centennial College. It is hoped that it will help to foster new relationships between the college, the city and members of the public and private sectors.

MJMA developed the design for the structure, which will retain its original exterior. The interior has been redesigned to make it suitable for use as a teaching facility. A printing services firm will be able to produce full color brochure printing and other materials that contain artist’s conceptual drawing and more to help give stakeholders an idea of what the competed building will look like.

It is hoped that its close proximity to the nearby Bombardier plant and the Defense Research and Development Canada will provide students with a unique opportunity to experience the latest hi tech aviation equipment up close and personal.