$100-million investment to double lab spaces at U of A sciences building

Signage at the University of Alberta can be seen in this file photo. (File)

The Alberta government is investing $100 million to revitalize a University of Alberta building and double laboratory spaces.

The Biological Sciences Building at the University of Alberta will become the Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) Centre.

The project will be built in five phases and increase laboratory seats from 1,600 to 3,200, and allow more than 3,000 new students to access undergraduate and graduate programs.

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“We are committed to strengthening our world-class post-secondary education system to ensure that the workforce we develop today can compete in the economic realities of tomorrow,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a news release.

“This investment will double the Faculty of Science’s lab space, solidify the university’s reputation as a top destination for students and researchers, and help prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.”

U of A president Bill Flanagan said the investment will “advance Alberta as a global leader in STEM and life sciences research and education.”

The building is 56 years old and has never received a major renovation.