New student lounge planned for Laurier’s One Market building

Feb. 19, 2021

Students at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus will have additional space to relax and connect, with plans in place for a new student lounge in the lower level of One Market. It is hoped the new space will be complete and ready for use when students return to in-person learning.

“There was a need for social space for students to just hang out,” says Jess Calberry, manager of the Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives. “Not necessarily an academic space, but a space for student-focused connection.”

The initiative is being funded by a Student Life Levy grant and is part of the ongoing, incremental redevelopment of the One Market building. The new lounge will repurpose much of an existing gathering space in the lower level of the former shopping mall. A majority of the funds will be allocated toward moveable and modular furniture, as well as games and leisure activities for student use. 

“The students were instrumental in making this new space happen,” says Calberry. “Without the Student Life Levy, this project might not be a reality.”  

The 8,000-square-foot lounge will include a videogame console area, an area including large table games such as ping-pong and pool, a group workspace featuring a projector, booths for student use, lockers, and a kitchenette.

Calberry said the layout and design of the space was completed in consultation with students to create the most inviting lounge possible. The new lounge, which has yet to be officially named, will be overseen by the Dean of Students Office and the Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives.   

“We hope students will feel like this is ‘their’ place,” says Calberry. “Students have expressed a desire to have spaces on campus where they can relax and connect with friends. We’ve heard their feedback and are excited to bring this new lounge to the Brantford campus.” 

It is hoped the new student lounge will be operational by fall 2021, barring any delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.