Proposed Downtown Arena Design Approved, $450 Million Budget Reaffirmed

July 17, 2012

Project team now to move to detailed design phase

City Council has approved the schematic design for the proposed downtown arena, and reaffirmed the budget is $450 million for the arena.

“This decision today gives the project team the go ahead to proceed with the design development for the downtown arena,” says Mayor Stephen Mandel. “This project is about more than an arena. It is a catalyst for revitalizing downtown, and it is important to realize Council’s vision for a strong and vibrant core to our city.”

Council also heard the results of the public consultation on the schematic design, which included an online survey, four open houses, a stakeholder meeting, and questionnaires available through the mail or at a display in City Hall. The response to the design was very favourable overall:

• 80% agreed (strongly to somewhat) the proposed arena design would be a “landmark”/iconic.
• 78% agreed the design would enhance visual attractiveness of the area.
• Over 75% agreed that issues with integration into community were largely dealt with.
• 62% were satisfied road system could manage traffic.
• 58% said parking was adequate.

“People said the design was iconic, it holds potential to revitalize downtown, and they liked the community skating rink. However, some people did have concerns, such as wanting to see greater interaction along 104 Avenue, opportunity for public programming in the Winter Garden, the size and scale of the Winter Garden, and the desire for a sustainably designed/operated arena.” says Linda Cochrane, Community Services General Manager for the City of Edmonton.

The next phase of the design process will bring the design to 60% completion, at which point PCL Construction, who is managing construction of the proposed downtown arena, will present a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction to the City and the Katz Group. The project team expects to return to Council early 2013 with the GMP. Both Council and the Katz Group must give final approval before the project can go head.

The design work and contract with PCL Construction are included in the $30 million approved by Council in October 2011 for the design of the proposed arena.

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