In what marks a significant leap towards revitalizing Chula Vista's educational opportunities and bolstering its role in the entertainment industry, the City Council has approved key agreements with both San Diego State University (SDSU) and the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC). SDSU is set to utilize space in the new Millenia Library for its School of Nursing and Global Campus programs, while the CVEC will develop a high-tech entertainment production facility.
The partnership between the city and SDSU aims to directly tackle the region's nursing shortage by expanding education in this critical field. According to a statement obtained by the San Diego Union Tribune, the arrangement entails leasing about 7,000 square feet of the library to SDSU for a symbolic $1 a year. This new development comes after the original plan between SDSU and the city failed due to logistical issues with the proposed production studio space within the Millenia Library.
On the other hand, the CVEC aims to fully utilize the potential of San Diego County as a media and innovation hub. The City Council's approval of the Letter of Intent with CVEC, reported by the city's official news release, will result in new film and media production facilities occupying the library's top floors. Phase one focuses on building production amenities like sound and editing bays, leading to roughly 150-200 permanent jobs and 36,000 working days for industry professionals. CVEC's commitment also encompasses phases two and three with the prospect of substantially expanding production studios based on demand.
With an eye on job creation and setting a new economic standard for the area, Mayor John McCann praised the project, stating, "This project will set a new standard for our region and will bring critical new economic development to South County." The initiative is forecast to contribute approximately $545 million in economic impact for Chula Vista over the next decade. CVEC CEO Aaron David Roberts told the San Diego Union Tribune, "CVEC is here to add a new chapter" to San Diego's entertainment story, a chapter that was left incomplete after Hollywood's previous withdrawal from the region.
City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian expressed optimism regarding the project's potential to stimulate the city's economy. In a statement gleaned from the official news release, she mentioned how this agreement is just "the first step in a broader vision" for Chula Vista's sustainable economic future. The collaborative efforts symbolize a new era of opportunities for local students and professionals and a step toward Chula Vista becoming a critical nexus for both education and entertainment in the region.
