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Middlesex County officials this week marked a milestone in the county’s ambitious Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan.

At a May 14 event at the North Lawn of Middlesex College, officials announced the completion of designs for three structures comprising Phase One of the plan. The work was first announced in November 2022 as part of Middlesex County‘s Destination 2040 Strategic Plan. The CIO Plan aims to expand the educational offerings of both Middlesex College and the Middlesex County Magnet School system – turning the campus and surrounding facilities into a multi-faceted destination for the region.

The three structures include:

• The Multipurpose Community Venue – a 3,500-seat, state-of-the-art space that for concerts, cultural events, sporting events and more
• The Middlesex College Student Center – a 35,000-square-foot-space that will serve as the centerpiece of Student Life and Culture, featuring game rooms, meeting and study spaces, and a fully operational restaurant
• The Middlesex County Magnet School – a 75,000-square-foot facility to offer new majors and educational opportunities for county students

Officials note completion of this phase of the process allows the county to seek construction bids. The goal is to potentially break ground in the fall.

Taking shape

Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios stressed that the CIO Plan is not merely an aspiration or a hope – it’s a reality.

“We’ve been touting this plan since November 2022 and we are beginning to see our vision take shape,” said Rios. “For all of us who call Middlesex County home, the CIO strategy will be a game-changer in our economy and the quality of our lives – this includes improving the lives of students, faculty, and staff that work and attend this college.”

“These amazing additions to our campus will provide new and enhanced opportunities for our students to learn, study together, and engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities including athletics and student clubs,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Working closely with Middlesex County and the contractors, college administration will seek to minimize disruption day-to-day campus operations and is committed to regular communication with the college community regarding the construction phase.”

More information on the CIO Strategic Investment Plan is available here.