SUDBURY, ONT. – The City of Greater Sudbury recently unveiled the architectural renderings for the highly-anticipated Event Centre, all while officially announcing a construction manager.
The unveiling event took place on the grounds of the future facility, next to the original Sudbury Community Arena.
Mayor Paul Lefebvre was joined by representatives from Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB) Architects, the architectural firm behind the design, and PCL Construction, the construction manager named for the project.
The Event Centre will serve as a space for sporting events, concerts and community gatherings, explains a release. Hockey games will seat up to 5,800, basketball games 6,200 and concerts up to 7,200.
It will be complemented by a “Cultural Hub,” which is being described as “a vibrant destination for arts, culture and innovation, with construction also set to begin in the near future.”
In April 2024, Greater Sudbury City Council approved plans to proceed with the development of the new centre in the downtown.
“PCL is proud to be named the construction manager for the Greater Sudbury Event Centre, a project that reflects the heart of this city. We are committed to delivering a facility that meets the highest standards in design and performance, and that will serve as a vibrant hub for sports and culture,” said John Schmalz, PCL Constructors northern Ontario, area manager in a statement.
Both buildings will also be major components of the Downtown Master Plan, the release adds.
“BBB Architects is proud to be part of the design team that is developing the new Greater Sudbury Events Centre. This building will truly be a community venue for all, to host a diverse calendar of live sport and entertainment events that will bring people together from across the region, and create indelible memories,” added Chris O’Rielly, partner at Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects.
Kendra McIssac, co-chair of the Downtown Sudbury Board of Directors, said this is an example of Sudbury’s “Transformation Project in action. We are already seeing the private sector respond with new investments, new residences, and eight new businesses opening their doors in just the last couple months. In the short term, our local businesses will benefit from the buzz of construction activity, and in the long term, these cornerstone projects will solidify Sudbury’s place as a premiere hub for sports, arts, and culture in the North.”
The area construction association also applauded the news.
“The Northeastern Ontario Construction Association is excited to support its members, contractors, suppliers, professionals, industry partners and the Greater City of Sudbury in all aspects of construction for these two cornerstone initiatives,” said Mark Kivinen, executive director of the Northern Ontario Construction Association.
Those looking for more information can go to the Transformation Project section of the city’s website, www.greatersudbury.ca/transformation.
