‘Christmas list’ of new recommendations include splitting Cambridge multiplex in two
Posted Mar 21, 2017 05:03:42 AM.
Last Updated Mar 21, 2017 05:33:30 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Instead of one multiplex, why not two? That could be a reality thanks to a fresh list of new recommendations approved by Cambridge city council at a special meeting called Monday night.
The ideal blueprint discussed could be building four NHL-sized rinks at one site, and gyms with a 25-metre pool at another. Regardless of the idea of splitting the facility into two separate sites, all five locations are still an option under the city’s official plan.
Deputy City Manager Kent McVittie tells 570 NEWS the laundry list of new requests opens up the city to new possibilities. “We were given a task and we have to figure out if one location is the best option or if two different locations are. Council really didn’t narrow it down a whole lot, but we’ll go forward with help from a whole team and more experts.”
Narrow down they didn’t. Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig joked at the meeting that the new recommendations were “like a Christmas list.” However, Craig welcomes all the new suggestions because it takes concerns and comments from all perspectives in regards to the controversial multiplex and funnels them into one report. “It’s polling all aspects of the community and what they want. I think it’s really important that we reflect on what the public has said and move ahead, keeping in mind everyone’s concerns.”
Moving ahead means that you won’t see a new report in April like first anticipated by the city. Mayor Craig and council agreed to give the task force three months to go over new requests that include splitting the facility up into two locations, a community partnership agreement, and a further analysis of costs associated with each site. Another special meeting will be called sometime in June.
According to the staff report, the city needs a minimum of 17 acres purchased before building the facility and its parking. The cost associated with land value estimates range from $4.5M to $36.3M depending on which site you look at.
An opportunity cost is factored separately. That measures how much the city would make from taxes on the multiplex once it’s fully built. It ranges anywhere from $207K to $610K.
The cost of the multiplex still hasn’t changed, but one of the biggest strategic options to come out of Monday’s report is the city’s plan to meet with private partners who have expressed interest in teaming up with the city to make the multiplex happen.
The proposed sites still include:
-220 Pinebush Road
-261 Hespeler Road
-112 Pinebush Road
-850 Fountain Road
-Franklin and Savage Drive
You can read March’s special report here.
