A draft image of the proposed "Celebration Centre" if it were to be built on the site of the current Centennial Hall. A draft image of the proposed "Celebration Centre" if it were to be built on the site of the current Centennial Hall.
London

Consultant Recommends Halting Performing Arts Centre Plans

A consultant for the city is recommending Music London's plan for a multi-million dollar performing arts centre be scrapped.

In a report to be presented to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, consulting firm Novita says after two years of work the plan for the proposed Celebration Centre is flawed.

It says the site chosen for the performing arts centre, which is a parking lot next to Centennial Hall, is too small for the proposed buildings.

The report states "according to Novita, the greatest concern is about the Celebration Centre's basic concept as it appears the be based on a facility formula, which has not stood the test of time in other communities and markets like London."

Novita is recommending the city do the following:

  • Close its file on the Celebration Centre and Music London to re-focus efforts to pursue other options, including a building concept which reflects current market realities and an appropriate site
  • Reconsider the Centennial Hall Site as a location for a major cultural facility
  • Prepare a list of potential PAC sites with relate acquisition strategies concurrent with the engagement process
  • Carry out a community engagement program to be completed in 2015
Music London, mainly made up of musicians from the now disbanded and bankrupt Orchestra London, wants the city to spend over $16-million on the PAC, which would get upwards of $30-million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.

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