The plans for the old Legion site get larger and larger as each new idea is made public. No longer just a gambling Mecca for those of the Northwest, the Chances Gaming Centre is going to give birth to a convention centre, condo development and a marine facility for those that wish to sail up (or down the coast) to try their luck.
Things have certainly changed from the construction update of March 2006, as the development adds components to enshrine itself as the "entertainment anchor" for the city.
Boni Maddison is the architect for the project and is no stranger to the North Coast having worked on the CityTel (now Citywest) building back in 1999. A quick look at their project list shows that they have a large footprint in major construction in the Northern half of the province.
The Daily News has a full breakdown on the plans to turn the city into what the mayor calls a “resort destination.”
PREMIERE RESORT VISION REVEALED FOR PRINCE RUPERT
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday July 7, 2006
Page One
A full scale convention centre, condominium housing developments and a marine facility are now all part of the vision for the re-development of the old Legion property as an entertainment resort.
Craig Briere, representing the Community Gaming Centre developers out of Prince George, said the plans now include the immediate development of a 10,000 square foot convention centre on the bottom floor of the Community Gaming Centre, as well as future plans for waterfront condominiums and a marine facility.
“Our fist intent is to get the Community Gaming Centre up and operational,” said Briere.
“In three years we’d like to have the condominium development begin and within seven years we’d like to look at the marina being in place. These are just plans, there’s a nothing concrete in place… it’s just a long term vision that we have.
Construction is currently underway for the Community Gaming Centre – the site of the old Legion building has been cleared, blasting to prepare the foundation is expected shortly and laying the building foundation is expected should begin in August.
While there has been a lot of talk about the entertainment amenities that will be included in the Chances Community Gaming Centre – a partnership between the developers and the Rupert Bingo Association – Briere said what has not been made public is the 10,000 square foot convention centre which will be located waterside on the facilities lower level.
“On the front side (waterside) of the daylight basement we are able to accommodate three large ballrooms, in essence creating a conference centre on the lower level,” he said.
“We’ve been working on building design and layout that will create a separate entrance into this space and through our discussions with the B. C. Lottery Corporation we had every indication we would be able to house all types of events.”
Minors would be allowed to enter the convention facility as it would have a separate entrance from the Community Gaming Centre.
“Private Developers aren’t building conference spaces because typically you don’t see much return on them,” he said. But it just made sense because of the building layout – we’d rather have people in it than a 16,000 square foot basement empty.”
In the meantime, Briere said they have purchase #2 Pacific Place from the city, which will allow them to add 70 parking spots for the development and plan for future waterside condominiums on the property.
“The development has sort of taken on a life of its own,” said Briere. “Because of the proximity of the property to the (Crest, Museum of Northern B. C. Northlands Cruise Terminal, Cow Bay) and waterfront it made sense… we’ve also begun plans with respect to a waterfront marina as well.”
The overall concept of the Community Gaming Centre was to develop a premiere entertainment facility in Northern B. C., said Briere, and the new elements will only add to the draw.
“We see the opportunity to position the Community Gaming Centre as a premier entertainment resort in northern British Columbia and these ancillary developments allow us to do that,” he said.
“In the long term as Prince Rupert continues to grow, and people realize everything Prince Rupert has to offer, it will allow us to attract them there and retain them.
“It also shows our commitment to the community as well as it shows the other things it brings to the facility other than gaming which will hopefully fill a lot of niches and create a lot of opportunity.
A convention centre and more waterfront moorage have both been identified as areas where there is a market but the community is lacking.
Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond said the plans are a reflection of where the city is moving as Prince Rupert increasingly becomes a resort destination.
“People are currently coming to resorts around Prince Rupert and spending a lot of money,” said Pond. “Why not come to Prince Rupert?”
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