A creative arts hub could be on the way to downtown Prince George.
City Council voted unanimously to support an application for grant funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $5.62 million in its entirety.
The grant funding, from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), would cover $4.12 million.
Council has also pledged $1.5 million from city reserves for the remaining cost.
The hub would be located at 1310 3rd avenue, the current location of the Prince George Farmers Market.
The Community Arts Council (CAC) currently leases two buildings at 2820 & 2880 15th Avenue, collectively referred to as Studio 2880.
The two buildings are both 78 years old and would require significant upkeep in order to keep them usable.
“An alternative location and facility must address several emerging needs for both the tenants and city investment needs,” said Dave Dyer, General Manager of Infrastructure and Public Works, in the report to Council.
An estimated $470,000 in repairs are needed over the next ten years as well.
The CAC recently pursued a feasibility study for the redevelopment of 1310 3rd Avenue as a Downtown Creative Arts Hub, confirming 1310 3rd avenue would be the best choice.
The building would require renovations to provide universal access and open floor plans to make it a shared space.
The study also included reviewing the building condition assessment for 1310 3rd Avenue with an identified reinvestment cost of approximately $1.5M to replace aging assets.
Projects must also start next year, with full project completion by March 31, 2026.
Successful grant funding would allow design work to begin in the second half of 2021 with construction following in 2022 and 2023.
ICIP grant funding announcements are expected in the summer of 2021.
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