Feb 08, 2010 - 04:45 PM

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DURHAM -- The Alger Press Building near the General Motors Centre will soon become part of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

The Durham university announced Monday its 30-year lease of the Charles Street building, owned by LPF Realty Inc, who will be renovating and refurbishing the site for use by UOIT's Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, according to a press release from the school. It will be ready for student occupancy this September.

The site will be close to a new 30,000-square-foot, five-storey facility being constructed at 55 Bond St. that UOIT already committed to leasing classroom, student, lab and office space from.

"Because of the many advantages it offers, establishing a strong university presence in the downtown core is becoming increasingly common across Canada and the U.S.," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, UOIT president. "For the Faculty of Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies that means our students will have state-of-the-art media and psychology labs, convenient access to professional and social service providers and be near the new consolidated courthouse, all of which will enhance their program and studies."

The renovated building will include classrooms and lecture halls, office space, study areas, student services, café, library dedicated to the faculty's programs, and other common areas. The retrofit is being carried out over 87,000 square feet and will include upgrades to mechanical systems to ensure energy efficiency, electrical work, accessibility and other modifications.

Since 2008, the UOIT began expanding its campus into downtown Oshawa, first with its Faculty of Education at 11 Simcoe St. N. In November, it took over ownership of the Regent Theatre, which is currently undergoing renovations, and is scheduled to reopen later in 2010. It will serve students as a large lecture theatre and be rented out to the community for events and other activities.