Aspire

Aspire may refer to:

Automobiles

Architecture

Computing

Sculptures

Media and entertainment

ASPiRE (TV network)

Aspire (stylized as ASPiRE) is an American cable television network targeting African American audiences launched by Magic Johnson on June 27, 2012.

History

As part of its arrangement to acquire a minority interest in NBCUniversal, Comcast Corporation committed to carry several minority-owned channels. The arrangement followed pressure led by Maxine Waters in congressional hearings. In April 2011, Comcast solicited proposals for minority owned networks. In February 2012, Comcast announced distribution arrangements for four networks, including ASPiRE. The four announced networks and six forthcoming stations are being chosen from among an excess of 100 proposals to begin airing by 2020.

Business plan

The focus of the network will be "positive, uplifting images of African Americans", according to Johnson. The station intends to deliver films, music and comedy, with a combination of acquired projects and original programming. The programming will include performing arts and shows about faith. The show is intended to provide a forum for African American producers and performers. Johnson is partnering with the Gospel Music Channel. Johnson said the following about the network: "Aspire will be a network that encourages and challenges African-Americans to reach for their dreams," adding that it "will celebrate our heritage, our groundbreaking achievements and the fearless talent that has shaped American culture."

Aspire Parramatta

Aspire Parramatta (also referred to as Aspire Tower or simply Aspire) is a proposed skyscraper located in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, a centrepiece of the Parramatta Square development. The building proposal is for a residential and hotel building 230 m (755 ft) high with 68 storeys; and to comprise 700 residential apartments and 150 hotel rooms. If approved, construction would commence on Aspire in 2016, with an overall completion year set for 2019.

Development

In late August 2014, the original building proposal was questioned after issues regarding height restrictions emerged with aviation authorities. Soon after, new recommendations proposed for a building no more than 243 metres tall. In October 2014, Parramatta council submit a proposal to the City Centre Planning Framework Review to remove the existing building height limit. In May 2015, the Government of New South Wales scrapped the existing building height restrictions in Parramatta, which would allow for a 306 m (1,004 ft) high building to be constructed. In order for the latter to eventuate, the project had to receive final approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. In addition to the progress on height restrictions, Parramatta City Council also approved development applications to demolish its Darcy Street Council offices and the Civic Place Library building in preparation for the Parramatta Square development - the city's new commercial office space and the Aspire Tower.