Officials with Northlands announced Friday that a committee had been formed to help the organization determine the next steps for Rexall Place, after Rogers Place in Edmonton’s downtown opens.
The Northlands Board of Directors agreed to the formation of the Arena Strategy Committee on Thursday, October 16.
“I think the great thing with this committee is right now, everything is on the table,” Northlands CEO Tim Reid said. “The intent of this committee is to explore best practices in other cities, to look at how we could implement those practices in the City of Edmonton.”
Seventeen members make up the committee, and they have been tasked with coming up with a recommendation on the future facility and site use of Rexall Place by April 15, 2015.
Northlands board member Andrew Ross will oversee the committee.
“I see it as an opportunity to help Northlands move forward,” Ross said. “Ultimately it’s the board’s decision, but to go and gather the data and information feels pretty good.”
The report will include recommendations for the facility and design, cost projection estimates for operating the facility and the site, a revised business plan and community support for the recommendation.
The committee will research venues in other cities to see mixed-use development models – including venues in Columbus, Ohio and Kansas City.
“Obviously when you talk about new developments in the City of Edmonton, a lot of those are based off Columbus, Ohio, they have a very strong arena district and we’d like this committee to go and understand what that looks like,” Reid said.
“When we go to Kansas City part of our interest is to take a look at developments around the Spring Centre, because we know that’s a very successful facility that doesn’t have a primary tenant.”
With files from David Ewasuk
