UBC is going to be growing in Surrey.
The university announced Nov. 2 that the UBC Properties Trust purchased a 135,000 sq. ft. property near Surrey Memorial Hospital for $70 million. The land, located at the intersection of King George Boulevard and the Fraser Highway in central Surrey, will be redeveloped in the coming years.
"The site, which is located close to SkyTrain, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and other community amenities, is anticipated to be a combination of residential and commercial space which will generate revenue to enable the construction of dedicated academic facilities," states the university in a press release.
Consultations with the community on what exactly the land may become are expected next year.
Purchasing the site advance's the university's goal for a wider regional presence, UBC adds.
The university notes the site's close connection to Fraser Health with thousands of students, staff and alumni living, working and learning in Surrey.
"Every year, more than 4,900 health student and medical resident rotations take place in hospitals, primary care settings and clinics across the Fraser, where learners train alongside world-class clinical faculty in areas such as family practice, emergency medicine, midwifery and other specializations," states the school.
"About 200 students in nursing also undertake their training in Fraser Health, while about 100 pharmaceutical science students take part in placements at 57 sites in the Fraser region."
