As the town moves closer to building a local arts centre, they want to hear from you before making final decisions on location and cost.
On Nov. 29, the town will be hosting a public information session on phase three of the Collingwood arts centre feasibility study from 12 to 1 p.m. at Simcoe Street Theatre and virtually.
The arts and culture centre feasibility process was first approved by council in December 2019 as part of the 2020 budget. Since then, there have been two phases, led by Nordicity as well as Giaimo Architects.
Based on the consultants’ work in the first two phases, the current estimated cost of building a centre is between $25 million and $34 million, but those figures don’t include soft costs such as the architectural designs, nor do they include furnishings and equipment, which Nordicity suggested could add about 10 per cent to the overall cost. A parking structure, whether under or above ground, would also add to the cost, possibly another $10 million.
On April 3, the town’s consultant team delivered its most recent findings on the project to councillors as part of phase two, suggesting a 400-seat theatre be built and offering two site options for it: a parking lot at 48 Ste Marie St. and the former Collingwood Terminals building. At that time, most of council and representatives from several local arts groups pushed for 48 Ste. Marie St. as the best location of the two.
During a July 24 committee of the whole meeting, councillors voted unanimously to spend $200,000 to contract Colliers Project Leaders to develop a business case for the centre, which will mark phase three of the project.
At that meeting, members of the local arts community asked if other locations in Collingwood’s downtown could still be considered as part of that work. Also at that time, council voted in favour of forming a steering committee for the arts and culture centre project. Earlier this month, council announced it had formed the committee, whose work is now underway.
For more information on progress of the Collingwood Arts Centre, click here.
