UMass campus proposed for downtown Springfield

BOSTON (WWLP) - The University of Massachusetts is looking to expand its campus, and Springfield is in the running to be a part of it.

A couple of state representatives from Springfield are proposing that the University of Massachusetts expand into the city’s downtown area.

Representatives Sean Curran and Benjamin Swan, both Springfield Democrats, have been meeting with Governor Deval Patrick on a possible satellite campus in the old federal building on Main Street, which is currently being used to house the Springfield School Department.

They suggest that the building be used as a school for physician's assistants to answer the state’s demand for healthcare workers.

The site faces competing proposals from Plymouth and New Bedford.

“Springfield has a lot of offer. I think bringing 500 to 1000 students to downtown Springfield would have some benefits for downtown as well. You could certainly envision a book store opening up, you could certainly envision restaurants and coffee shops gaining new customers,” Curran said.

The project will be granted about $35 million, subject to approval of the state budget.

Site selection is expected to happen sometime next year.