The College of The Bahamas (COB) is preparing a "master plan", a crucial element as it continues on its path to attain university status.

According to a statement released by COB, the plan "would determine the physical space needs and character of the Oakes Field and Northern Bahamas campuses".

"The college has engaged the services of the Diamond Consultant Group and international architectural firm HKS, to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the future development of its campuses over the next 10 years," the statement read.

"The process has involved wide consultation and a detailed analysis of COB's space needs and the layout and character of the campus."

COB is expected to transition to university status by July 2015.

The statement noted that the University Transition Secretariat (UTS) submitted a report to the College Council in October, which would act as a road map for the transition.

"The College Council met with the UTS, COB's senior team and the rapporteurs (tasked with aiding the council) and has decided to convene a series of retreats in order to finalize the road map for the transition to university status," the statement read.

"These retreats, which are scheduled for early January 2014, will allow the council to deliberate on the recommendations of the UTS' and rapporteurs' reports and arrive at a way forward by April 2014.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian