Peterborough, ON officials are considering a major redevelopment project that could include a new arena for Ontario Hockey League action.
The firm Lett Architects has presented a proposal to redevelop land along Townsend Street that is currently used as a public works yard. With the public works yard set to clear the site at some point this year, mayor Daryl Bennett and other Peterborough officials are mulling redevelopment options for the location.
Under the plan that was unveiled by Lett, the arena would be included in a larger development that also features convention space, lodging, and condominiums. More from The Peterborough Examiner:
For years people have said the city needs a convention centre, for instance, and some have argued for a new OHL arena to replace the 60-year-old Memorial Centre.
[Architect Michael] Gallant says the redevelopment plan is a bold idea.
“But it’s not out of the question,” he said. “It’s an important piece of property that needs to be planned properly.”
Gallant pictures visitors arriving in the city on the train and finding themselves downtown, across from the waterfront.
“You can’t get a better impression of Peterborough than that,” he said.
The firm was paid by Bennett’s office to develop the plan, but with discussions in the very early phases, it remains to be seen how Peterborough officials will proceed with the concept. If it does ever come to fruition, the arena would wind up hosting the Peterborough Petes. The Petes have a long tradition at Peterborough Memorial Centre, having begun play at the venue in 1956.
