Camosun College has taken the next step toward making its vision of a film studio on its Saanich campus a reality, and is now seeking pre-qualification requests from organizations which want to design, build, and operate it. (Courtesy of Camosun College)

Camosun College has taken the next step toward making its vision of a film studio on its Saanich campus a reality, and is now seeking pre-qualification requests from organizations which want to design, build, and operate it. (Courtesy of Camosun College)

Camosun College takes step closer to bringing film studio to Saanich campus

Requests for pre-qualification are now open

Camosun College is one step closer to bringing plans for a film studio on its Interurban campus into reality with the opening of the request for pre-qualification from contractors.

In a release, the school said the request invites companies to become pre-qualified to design, build, and fund the studio in exchange for a 99-year lease. Responses will be used to form a shortlist of organizations that will be invited to a second stage of the process, which involves a request for proposals.

“Camosun is hoping to turn its vision of a commercial film studio combined with educational components into a reality with the release of a request for pre-qualification,” said Geoff Wilmshurst, vice-president of partnerships, in the release. “The process is intended to result in an innovative proposal that benefits the college, students, and the local economy.”

Next steps include an all-proponent meeting later in September 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 B.C. film industry and the potential development of an on-campus film studio.

READ MORE: Camosun film studio in Saanich moves along as community concerns heard


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