BY CHRISTINE DOBBY
World of Posters may not clear out of its Yonge Street location until the new year, said the store’s owner, Don Ajith.
Ryerson had hoped to move in this month after purchasing the building in late July for $2.45 million to make way for the construction of the Student Learning Centre.
Instead, the university has agreed World of Posters can remain in the space until its lease expires on Jan. 6, 2010.
After buying the former Sam the Record Man and Future Shop locations, World of Posters was the last building halting the progress of the new Student Learning Centre planned for the corner of Yonge and Gould Streets.
In the past, Ajith had commented negatively on Ryerson’s expansion on to Yonge Street. Now, he said, he’s focused on plans for the new shop which will be located on Queen Street West.
But he said construction and permits for the new location make the move date uncertain.
Linda Grayson, vice-president administration and finance, said in an email that “a January move-out by the tenant in the World of Posters building has no impact on the university’s plans.”
Grayson expects an architect will be selected in November and it will take nine to 12 months before the project is shovel-ready. The provincial government is investing $45 million in the project, which will see the construction of a multi-purpose building including retail space at ground level.
“Most people would agree it would be an improvement to the uses on the street,” said Kyle Rae, city councillor for the area.
For now, scaffolding lines the inactiive construction site next door to World of Posters and large signs announce the “Future Home of the Ryerson Student Learning Centre.”
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