Holland College announces historic renovation

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Architect's concept drawing of the performance hall at the Prince of Wales Campus.

Charlottetown, PE - Holland College President Dr. Brian McMillan along with many Prince of Wales College alumni, faculty, and staff, gathered recently to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about former times, and look ahead to the newest project on the Holland College Prince of Wales Campus - the conversion and renovation of the former PWC gymnasium.

The gymnasium holds a special place in the hearts of Prince of Wales alumni, having been the scene of a number of student productions, dances and events during the Prince of Wales years.

"The transformation of this beloved landmark is one that Prince of Wales College alumni are looking forward to with great anticipation," said Bobby Lund, PWC alumnus. "We all have wonderful memories from our time at PWC, many of which originated in this specific space."

In September, 2011, the Holland College School of Performing Arts, a partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts, opened its doors welcoming students into the two-year Music Performance and one-year Performing Arts Foundation programs. A two-year Dance Performance program begins this fall. As "home" to these programs, the former PWC gymnasium will be converted into a 300-seat performance hall and the original stage area will become a theatre space for training and performances.

Sibyl Cutcliffe, whose husband Jack is an alumnus of Prince of Wales College, is pleased to be helping out with the fundraising effort associated with the project.

"Not only will this new hall be a much needed educational, training, and performance space for Holland College students, it will also be a wonderful resource to the music and arts communities," said Cutcliffe.

Holland College's Charlottetown campus was named Prince of Wales Campus in 2011 as a commemoration and celebration of its historical significance. Memorabilia and artifacts from the early Prince of Wales days will be on display in a Prince of Wales College interpretive centre which will be located on the ground floor of the performance hall.

Prince of Wales College alumna Marion Reid sees the initiative as a wonderful celebration of the site's rich history.

"During our Prince of Wales days, recitals, musical productions, and concerts were often held on this very stage. I am looking very forward to returning to this historic place and seeing that tradition continue."

PWC alumnus Gordon MacInnis is working with Reid, Cutcliffe, Lund, and others in the Holland College Foundation's effort to raise the funds required to fulfill the vision.

"This significant renovation and restoration is a $2.6 million undertaking and will be realized through donations generously matched by the Province of Prince Edward Island," said MacInnis.

The fundraising effort is off to a great start, through the generosity of a Prince of Wales College alumnus who pledged a leadership gift of $500,000. Although anonymous for the time being, their leadership will be celebrated on completion of the facility.

For more information, contact the Holland College Foundation at (902) 566-9590 or foundation@hollandcollege.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact:
Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier,
Executive Director, College Advancement and the Holland College Foundation
Tel: (902) 629-4273