Dollars, Design, Location for Performing Arts Centre To Be Discussed Next Week

Friday, July 18, 2008 03:59 AM

Prince George, B.C. - The cost associated with the development of a Performing Arts Centre, the preferred location for such a facility and the type of facility desired could very well be known by the end of next week.

The Performing Arts Centre Society’s President, Sharon Cochran, says there is a two day session set for next week which will see further discussion on possible sites and the type of facility that should be constructed. “There are six to eight sites that will be viewed “ says Cochran, “One existing facility has been brought to our attention recently and we are just doing some background on that facility.”

The feasibility study has already indicated the Region could use three different types of facilities :

a 600- 800 seat theatre,
a 200-300 seat “black box’ which is a space that has the flexibility to have all seating removed, and
there is a need for a small rehearsal space.

Cochran says while there has yet to be a decision on the type of facility that might be first on the list for development, she suspects the Society will want to see a 600-800 seat theatre built first. “The School District has indicated there is a growing need to use Vanier Hall for its own theatre arts programs. We do not have the type of access to facilities that we did in the past.”

The overall feasibility project, complete with business plan and funding sources, is scheduled for completion by the middle of September.

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Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008 03:59 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: BCRacer on July 18 2008 6:51 AM

They are bound and determined they are going to build this ...
I actually have no problem with it as long as they can afford it and I don't end up on the hook for it...
But I have no doubt the public will bear the brunt of it....

Posted by: HD on July 18 2008 7:00 AM

You WILL be on the hook for this.

Beats me why they can't wait for the economy to take a turn for the better.

Posted by: lunarbase on July 18 2008 8:30 AM

But the economy is doing great ! Listen to the ads on the radio and of course the BC Government is telling us it is doing so well ! Can't get much better than this. Even with all the people laid off recently our unemployment rate goes down according to the government.

Posted by: Bridge on July 18 2008 10:29 AM

Our employment rate is down from 8.5% to 8.3% and the provincial average is 4.5%. Go figure.

Cheers

Posted by: culturevulture on July 18 2008 11:00 AM

What? Not another hockey rink? What is happening to Prince George?
Seriously, it would be a good idea to make the new facility on to a school. Maybe the new Duchess Park?

Posted by: astro on July 18 2008 11:00 AM

This should be built instead of the New Duchess Park SS. The school is not needed. PGSS, DP Todd and CHSS should be expanded to hold the students and the French immersion program. Kelly Road could also be upgraded. All these improvements would be cheaper than this new school. The property could then be used for the new Arts Center.

Posted by: DPJ on July 18 2008 11:58 AM

Build it downtown. Need new building there to promote people to come down there.

Posted by: opinionated on July 18 2008 2:31 PM

Let's be realistic, do you really think that that would be the cure for downtown?

Posted by: downnotout on July 18 2008 4:35 PM

if they can build it without dipping into my pocket nice. otherwise I think the public should have a say in what is built and where. have a vote or something. make it so that they need the people who support the program attend and let it come out of there taxes those who don't support it would be left out of the picture

Posted by: opinionated on July 18 2008 6:55 PM

Did anyone vote on the soccer fields or hockey rinks?

Posted by: Harbinger on July 18 2008 10:27 PM

Build the Performing Arts Centre right across the street from the swell courthouse. Where B&B music was. Next to the Ramada. Downtown Revitalization extrordanaire and if things get tough the PAC can rent out their lobby for the needle exchange, That oughta bring in some needed shortfall cash. Well dressed bouncers should be able to run interference for patrons dodging the riff raff down there on performance night. And valet parking to the CN yards on First Avenue. Lotsa ideas from me. Come and get them.

Posted by: Nowicki on July 18 2008 11:00 PM

Maybe they can convert the UNBC Northern sport center for this purpose, if the university continues with its poor performance. They should wait for this.

Sharon Cochran recently retired from UNBC.

Posted by: owl on July 19 2008 12:46 AM

Charles Jago recently returned to UNBC.

Posted by: lostfaith on July 19 2008 10:50 AM

Posted by: BCRacer on July 18 2008 6:51 AM
They are bound and determined they are going to build this ...
I actually have no problem with it as long as they can afford it and I don't end up on the hook for it...
But I have no doubt the public will bear the brunt of it....

This is one of the dumbest posts I have seen in a while, sorry.
BCR who exactly do you think "they" are?

Posted by: NMG on July 19 2008 3:53 PM

I have no doubt in my mind that if designed properly (with great sight lines, acoustics, etc.) that a 600-800 seat facility of this type would be heavily utilized. Honestly, I'd like to see something designed that could be expanded in the future if required.

As to location, I always figured the present location of the Coliseum would be a good spot. Tear that old eye sore down (it won't last forever, may as well be proactive about what to do when it's time to be replaced), put the Performing Arts Centre there (link it to the Library, Civic Centre and Art Gallery while we're at it) and with time, replace the Coliseum with a new rink up at UNBC. The plan would probably take a few years to put into place, but it could result in a great little area in that section of downtown.