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Conditions for the build include adherence to the WCA’s master plan for building design and the completion of the authority’s design and heritage processes, the announcement read.

However, strenuous objections have been raised over adding an office building to parklands that were presumed to be protected from commercial development.

Bernadette McIntyre, CEO of the Wascana Centre Authority said she understood the concerns over what is a “non-conforming” build but insisted Conexus will not be allowed to stray from WCA guidelines as it puts together a design team in the coming months.

“Please, for clarity, this will not be an office tower,” she said. “This will be a building that is acceptable in Wascana Centre, so there are height restrictions, architectural restrictions.”

The height restriction will be 13 metres, McIntyre said — approximately three storeys.

“Many people spoke to us who supported it, and some people had concerns,” McIntyre said.

“(The partnership) will help preserve the College Avenue landscape, Darke Hall, the College Building and will really help to rejuvenate that area for university use and public use. Whatever is approved will be something that fits into that area and works in the park-like setting.”

WCA officials will meet with the university and Conexus in the coming weeks, and it was further announced the board has green-lighted the relevant land transfer between the City of Regina and the university, which the city approved in August.