Here's what a new entertainment district could look like in Regina
Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) is exploring what a brand new 10,000 seat event centre could look like in the city.
REAL is scheduled to present possible plans for a Regina entertainment district to the city’s executive committee on Wednesday.
It suggests the city should use the future replacement of the Brandt Centre as a catalyst to create a new mid-sized multi-purpose event centre.
“Although we don’t have to make a decision on the Brandt Centre today, we should recognize at some point we will have to make a decision,” Tim Reid, the president and CEO of REAL, said Tuesday.
The feasibility study lays out five viable locations for the project, including the REAL District, the rail yards off Dewdney Avenue or three properties in downtown Regina.
This graphic shows possible locations for the five proposed Regina Entertainment District plans. (Source: Regina Exhibition Association Limited)
REAL is recommending one specific location in downtown Regina, which remained confidential, that it feels is best suited to support the project.
“It is the unanimous decision of the Arena Planning Strategic Committee (APSC2) that the downtown location #5 outlined in detail within the final report holds the greatest potential for the creation of an entertainment district and maximizing the transformational change and financial benefit for the greater City of Regina,” the report read.
REAL anticipates between $100 million to $120 million in construction costs for the project, with an additional cost of $32.7 million to $33.1 million for land assembly costs.
The plans for use of the new facility factor in the addition of National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) teams in Regina.
The report estimates the new facilities would be in use around 100 days annually, between the Regina Pats, an NLL and CEBL team; as well as concerts and events.
The operational model projects $1.8 million in net operating income annually, with $10.4 million in revenue and $8.5 million in operating costs.
The APSC2 is composed of several stakeholders in Regina, including the Warehouse District, the Downtown Business Association and the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce.
“There’s a real opportunity for growth and a real opportunity to revitalize downtown with any type of new structure that goes downtown whether it be a new aquatic centre, library or arena,” Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, said.
The study also recommends the Brandt Centre be repurposed either as a space for recreational or agricultural use.
REAL is optimistic the report will be accepted by the city and used for future planning of a possible replacement of the Brandt Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.