The latest addition to the University of Winnipeg's sprawling downtown campus is now open.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex was held Monday morning, launching the official opening of the structure at 599 Portage Ave. between Langside and Furby Streets.

The main feature of the $67-million building, one of the most energy efficient labs in North America, is a four-storey atrium that incorporates nine living trees and a 3,000-square-foot wall of reclaimed hard maple from the Winnipeg Roller Rink that previously stood on the site.

The complex houses the university’s departments of biology, chemistry and environmental studies and consists of more than 30 research and teaching labs, including a vivarium — an area for keeping and raising animals or plants for research — and a 1,127 square foot rooftop greenhouse.

Approximately 2,000 students daily will use the building, which also houses a digital media lab that will be open to high school students, those living in the inner city and aboriginal youth.

U of W president Lloyd Axworthy said the lab, set to open in January, will encourage youth to finish high school and pursue further education.

The building is the newest addition to an expansion of the U of W's downtown footprint. In recent years, the university has constructed and opened the Buhler Centre at Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film, and McFeetors Hall student's residence.

Construction crews are also transforming a 38,000-square-feet space at 491 Portage Avenue — the former Greyhound Bus terminal — into the ANX. It will contain a retail and bookstore space, student pub, food and beverage service, medical and personal services, computer store, classrooms, computer labs and offices.

The former Greyhound loading dock has already become a hub terminal for Winnipeg Transit.