Kansas State University plans to help spark the revival of Aggieville, the popular shopping and entertainment district bordering the campus in Manhattan.

K-State dean of students Pat Bosco said the university and its independent fund-raising arm, the KSU Foundation, expect to play a role in planning for development.

Bosco and other leaders spoke at the Mid-Year Business Leaders' Summit on Wednesday, calling Aggieville the "gateway to K-State," and a "number-one brand" for shopping in Kansas.

The university speakers said vacancies in several commercial spaces showed that the area could benefit from development.

School officials said they plan to take action within the next couple of years. They say the university is not proposing direct involvement in redeveloping properties, but rather in sparking discussion.