These days, everyone’s talking about the new construction trades building going up on the west side of Woodroffe Avenue. But for some students at the college, the more interesting construction project is to be found a little further away. Ben Franklin Place, the former city hall of Nepean, is not only the nearest branch of the Ottawa Public Library, but is also home to Centrepointe Theatre, a city-owned performance venue.

In the past, the stage facilities have been used for productions by the college’s Theatre Arts program. Unfortunately, the rental demands by the community has cut its use of the stage markedly.

But that is soon to change. Last fall, construction began on a second stage at the complex. Located behind the main stage, the new “Studio Theatre” will seat between 200 and 255, and be fully equipped with administrative and support facilities. The $9.4-million building was partly paid for by the federal stimulus program.

The centre believes the new theatre will be used mostly for rehearsals, dinner theatre, business functions and lectures.

But this new stage will also, from time to time, be used by the Theatre Arts program at the college for putting on productions, and this has some of its members excited.

“It’s going to be really awesome to use,” said Hillary Downey, who is in her second year in the program. “What really ticks me off, though, is that I won’t be able to use it, because it’ll open after I leave.”

Grant Hutchings, Downey’s classmate, added, “It’ll really help make more people in the area realize that Algonquin College actually has a theatre program. It’s going to be great.”

The new facility will have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, meaning that it will uphold a high standard of environmental sustainability.

The grand opening of the Centrepointe Studio Theatre is scheduled for late March of this year.