The recommended "Campus building" conceptual design option as viewed from the south, is one of three possibilities being presented to city council. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

By Alison Sandstrom

Major development

Options for design of P.A.’s new rec complex

Jan 11, 2021 | 4:42 PM

We now have our first look at conceptual designs for the layout of Prince Albert’s new recreation complex.

Architects hired by the City will present city councillors with three options for the design of the new facility at Thursday’s executive committee meeting. A copy of that presentation is now publicly available on the City’s website.

“There’s a number of different designs that are going to be available, and it’s still wide open with the architects if they [city councillors] want to add something or subtract something,” City Manager Jim Toye told paNOW. “Basically they’ll look at these and see if there’s one that the majority of them can agree on.”

The design options are based on tours architects and city staff took of eight similar recreation facilities in early October in Alberta. According to council documents, the tours were designed “to learn the best practice of what works and what doesn’t work.”

The three conceptual design options for the recreation complex. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

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The final three conceptual design options were narrowed down from approximately 27 possible layouts. They are:

• Single building (phased)
• Hybrid building
• Campus building

Of the three, city administration is recommending council select the “Campus building” design for a variety of reasons including cost, its public space for celebrations, multiple entrances, and parking considerations.

The “Single building” option. Phases 1 (two arenas and an aquatic centre), 2 (large arena) and 3 (daycare and branch library) are labelled. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

The “Hybrid building” option. Phases 1 (two arenas and an aquatic centre), 2 (large arena) and 3 (daycare and branch library) are labelled. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

The “Campus building” option. Phases 1 (two arenas and an aquatic centre), 2 (large arena) and 3 (daycare and branch library) are labelled. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

Once a conceptual design option is chosen by council, the architects will start creating the detailed design to be completed by August. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the fall.

“It’s a very exciting time,” Toye said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom