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Hamilton selects $500 million plan for downtown entertainment facilities

In what Mayor Fred Eisenberger has called a “historic” decision, the City of Hamilton has officially selected Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group L.P.’s development plan to revitalize the venues that are part of the city’s arts & culture and entertainment district.

The project, which will see substantial and modernized renovations to FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), FirstOntario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum), and the Hamilton Convention Centre – as well as investments into the Art Gallery of Hamilton, new affordable housing, offices, and retail space – is priced at approximately $500 million.

Precinct Group’s project was one of two proposals on the table for city council consideration back in February, the other being one designed by local developer Vrancor Group. Vrancor’s proposal came at a lower overall cost of $200 million, and focused primarily on updating the arena at FirstOntario Centre.

A master agreement negotiated between the city and Precinct Group with specific project details is still to be finalized this fall, with official renovations then set to begin in Fall 2021.

“The Precinct Group’s proposed revitalization plan lays the foundation for a world-class entertainment precinct, right in the heart of downtown Hamilton, that will drive additional tourism and serve as a premier sports, entertainment, and cultural center for all Hamiltonians,” says Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

Precinct Group’s proposed renovation of FirstOntario Centre will include an overhaul of the arena’s exterior, transformation of the lower bowl, expanded concourse space, and a new curtaining system in the upper bowl. There are also new amenities proposed including a microbrewery, private suites, and hospitality clubs.

Though a strong investment in upgrades is also planned for FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton Convention Centre, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton, specifics of those renovations are currently unknown.

The largest chunk of the proposed budget, at $340.5 million, is allocated towards what Precinct Group calls “auxiliary mixed-use development,” which will include affordable housing and other residential projects.

Read the full release on the City of Hamilton website.

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