Image courtesy of Newmark

Elected officials voiced support for University of Massachusetts officials’ plans to redevelop the UMass Lowell East campus with up to 1.1 million square feet of commercial and multifamily space.

Banker & Tradesman first reported on Friday that the UMass Building Authority selected brokerage Newmark to market five sites totaling 10 acres on the downtown Lowell property to developers. The sites include parking lots next to the Tsongas Center arena and city-owned LeLacheur Park baseball stadium, including two properties that are located in federal Opportunity Zones.

The project could transform the campus bordering the Merrimack River into a “vibrant, active urban district,” UMass officials said in announcing the plans today.

The property is zoned for uses ranging from office and research space to hospitality, retail, student housing and multifamily housing.

U.S. Rep Lori Trahan and Lowell City Manager Eileen Donahue issued statements signaling their support for UMass’s strategy.

“Developing this large portion of the East Campus, including areas around LeLacheur Park and the Tsongas Center, will transform the experience of UMass Lowell students and faculty, as well as residents across the region. It will also be key in bolstering efforts to bring new and exciting businesses and entertainment opportunities home to Lowell,” Trahan said in a statement.

Moloney said the university will continue to consult with the city as well as the university community as proposals are submitted and considered.

The project has potential to expand UMass Lowell’s partnerships with industry, particularly in the STEM fields, officials said.

“Whether you’re coming from your residence hall to your internship at a new company’s research lab or traveling from Lowell to see the River Hawks play at the Tsongas Center, the economic and quality of life impacts of this development will be profound,” UMass President and former UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan said in a statement.