Aerial view of the studio site at Interurban campus. @camosun.ca
VICTORIA – Plans for a film studio on Camosun College’s Interurban campus with education components took one step closer to reality today with the posting of a Request for Pre-Qualification on BC Bid.
“Camosun is hoping to turns its vision of a commercial film studio combined with educational components into a reality with the release of a Request for Pre-Qualification,” explains Geoff Wilmshurst, Vice President of Partnerships. “The process is intended to result in an innovative proposal that benefits the college, students and the local economy.”
The Request for Pre-Qualification invites respondents to become pre-qualified to design, build and fund a film and digital media education centre in exchange for a 99-year lease. Responses will determine a shortlist of respondents who will then be invited to the second stage through an Request for Proposals from which a preferred proponent will be identified and enter into an agreement with Camosun.
Next steps include an all-proponent meeting later this month with a submission deadline of Sept. 30. Exact dimensions, size, layout, timelines and costs will be finalized with the input of the preferred proponent.
A copy of the Request for Pre-Qualification is available at bcbid.gov.bc.ca.
In spring 2021, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training provided $150,000 to aid Camosun in the exploration of educational opportunities for students in the BC film industry and the potential development of an on-campus film studio.
The film industry in BC generates approximately $3.4 billion of revenue annually with most of the work in Vancouver.
Established in 1971, Camosun is one of the largest colleges in British Columbia with campuses on the Traditional Territories of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. For over 50 years, Camosun has been delivering innovative, relevant and applied education, supporting communities, businesses and employers.
@camosun.ca
