Surrounded by supporters and critics, Coun. Joe Swan put forward some options Thursday for Fanshawe College, which had hoped to purchase the former Kingsmill’s building and use it as classroom space.

Swan says Fanshawe has been approached about downtown offers he believes could cost $20 million less.

“I have been in many, many tough negotiations. You just don't accept the first price, you get the best price,” he says.

He has led the charge against the college’s request for an additional $10 million for its plans.

The Met building next to Kingsmill's and the market Tower across the road are two of the three options Swan has presented to Fanshawe president Peter Devlin.

Swan wants to start a public tender process to find the best location and price, estimating it would reduce the project cost by $20 million.

Fanshawe issued a statement late Thursday afternoon, saying Swan's assertions were without merit.

"The project’s business plan for the Kingsmill property is fair, realistic and financially prudent," it says.

"Fanshawe has not changed its position on the College’s Phase II plan for a big, bold shovel-ready project."

Others, including Swan’s mayoral opponents, also criticized Swan’s statements.

“Leadership is about doing what's right for the community, not distracting with a red herring at the 11th hour,” Coun. Matt Brown says.

Swan also says there is a potential new buyer for the former department store. "(Wednesday), a new offer, from a company outside of London has been made on the Kingsmills property."

Council will vote on Fanshawe's request for the additional $10 million on Tuesday.

Fanshawe's statement

The following is the full statement that Fanshawe sent out about 5 p.m. Thursday.

Fanshawe College is disappointed that its Phase II plan for London’s downtown has become overly politicized.

Fanshawe has a long and proud record as one of Ontario’s top Colleges. To meet the needs of students, it has designed, built and operated modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities for almost 50 years. Using our experience and with the assistance of expert third-party consultants, the College spent a significant amount of time reviewing potential buildings. It was concluded that out of the more than 20 properties investigated, the Kingsmill option was the one building that best met the needs of the College, the students and the community.

It is also important to state that this is a shovel-ready project which, through a competitive tendering process, would have design start soon with a construction start in the new year.

The project’s business plan for the Kingsmill property is fair, realistic and financially prudent. To suggest otherwise is without merit. The professional expertise of the College along with highly qualified individuals who provide their advice, ensures a high level of confidence in all aspects of the project. And the Fanshawe Board of Governors agreed.

The Kingsmill property is ideal in that it is directly across the street from the 400 student Howard W. Rundle building. Close proximity offers the ability to deliver student programs and services in a very efficient and effective manner.

In support of the City’s downtown master plan, the property is located in the Education and Arts District, something stipulated in our agreement with the City.

The location is ideal for both the Tourism and Hospitality and IT programs as it supports the growing development of both those industries in the core.

The property also offers a footprint (size) that allows us to build a learning environment that is the exact size and design to accommodate the College’s educational needs. Reconstructing a facility on the Kingsmill site ensures that there are no compromises that inevitably accompany a renovation/alteration scenario elsewhere.

On September 2, City Council will be asked to make an important decision. Fanshawe has not changed its position on the College’s Phase II plan for a big, bold shovel-ready project. This project meets the City’s vision for a prosperous downtown, and the College has a great track record for delivering results.