Largest auditorium on Westshore now open at Royal Roads University

A new multi-purpose auditorium is now open on the Westshore at Royal Roads University (RRU).

The $15.2 million, 500 seat auditorium — called the Dogwood Auditorium — is claimed to be the largest conference space in the area and was designed to create more academic space at the university. It will be available for public bookings in January 2022, according to a press release from the province Friday.

The auditorium can be split in half with a partition and features retractable seating for more space, according to the province. It also features a smaller multi-purpose room, media services, a meeting room and artwork called All My Relations, designed by Kwakwak’awakw artist Carey Newman.

The newly renovated building was built with environmental sustainability and innovation in mind, according to the province. They say it includes a geo-exchange energy system among other designs to increase the efficiency of the building.

Minister of advanced education and skills training Anne Kang says the new space allows for the university to better connect with the community.

“This building is a fantastic example of our government working with post-secondary institutions to invest in infrastructure that supports students and communities,” said Kang. “Renovating this historic space for a modern purpose creates a place for students to learn and for RRU to engage with the community, lean into partnerships and welcome everyone to their beautiful campus.”

The original structure was a swimming pool, built in 1959 for the Royal Roads Military College, according to the province. They say it had been used as squash courts and locker rooms prior to renovation. The Province says its heritage was preserved where possible in the design.

MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin Mitzi Dean says she looks forward to having a place for the community to gather in the future.

“I’m delighted that the partnership between our government and RRU is bringing us the first conference centre of this capacity in Westshore,” said Dean. “I am excited that we are getting a place to gather, learn and build our community.”

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