Update Winter 2009
Burlington Performing Arts Centre remains on time, on budget
Steel goes up, concrete is poured, at the Locust Street construction site
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) is progressing on time and within budget, according to a staff report presented to council on Nov. 30. Steel structures are in place and walls are going up as construction continues through the fall and winter months at Locust and Elgin streets.
Work will soon be underway on the main auditorium and studio theatre walls as the BPAC begins to take shape.
“I am very pleased with the progress of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre as it stays on target, both financially and structurally,” said Keith Strong, chair of the newly-formed Burlington Theatre Board. “The facility, which is the product of public consultation, is a leading design. It will be Canada’s first stand-alone green theatre, and will welcome people of all levels of ability. It is destined to be the cultural centerpiece of our community.”
Over the next several months, the following construction is to be completed on the project site:
- Site grading and backfilling works
- Water main installation and sanitary sewer connections
- Second phase hydro burial work
- Basement floor pours
- Erection of structural steel components
- Construction of main auditorium walls and start of building cladding.
In addition, approvals are in place and the pedestrian bridge connection is set to begin construction in early 2010. Quality control is top of mind on the construction site.
“It is important to note that all critical building materials supplied for the project will undergo a quality assurance program during the construction of the BPAC,” said project manager Craig Stevens. “Ongoing construction work will also be subject to rigorous inspection to confirm that it meets project specifications.”
As construction is underway, the BPAC Fundraising Cabinet continues to be successful, securing $9.5 million of its $11-million goal to date. The cabinet is working toward the goal with renewed effort and is:
- Securing sponsors for the community studio theatre
- Offering naming rights for 730 seats in the main auditorium
- Securing sponsors for last few remaining naming opportunities
- Continuing Keys to the Future, a fundraising campaign to purchase a grand piano.
An executive director for the centre is expected to be selected in early 2010. The executive director will develop a financial and programming plan for the opening season, create effective partnerships with arts and culture groups, the business community, sponsors, donors, and neighborhood residents, and lead the new organization through the final phases of construction and into its formal opening and first season.
| 