REAL provides first look at proposed new entertainment district

Discussions around a replacement for the Brandt Centre are picking up once again.

On Tuesday, Tim Reid — the president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) — made a presentation to members of the media on what a replacement for the Brandt Centre could look like.

It would see a 10,000-seat events centre and entertainment district constructed in one of five locations identified throughout the city by REAL and an arena committee. The committee was made up of various organizations throughout the city.

Three of the locations identified would be at unspecified locations in Regina’s downtown. The downtown locations could not be made public as the city and REAL don’t own the land.

The other locations identified included next door to Mosaic Stadium and on the railyards site.

“All five locations would meet the needs of the proposed events centre,” Reid said. “The question that was asked for us is what should we do with the future of the Brandt Centre? It’s important to recognize this is a planning exercise and not a spending exercise.

“We aren’t going to city council saying, ‘You have to spend $120 million on a new events centre,’ ” Reid continued. “We’re going forward saying, ‘You’ve asked us what the future of the Brandt Centre looks like. How we can plan more effectively in the future, and we’re giving you a plan.’ ”

Reid says the committee that created the report suggests placing the arena downtown would be the No. 1 option. All of the locations would have parking and be accessible to transit.

He thinks a downtown arena would help attract more visitors and also increase property values for those who live in the area.

“We do feel from a greater city perspective this (downtown) is the best recommendation. First (reason) is incremental tax gain,” Reid stated. “Recognize that there is a lift of three to 11 per cent on the tax evaluation of properties. If you put this in the most dense location, the net yield for the taxpayer and the community would be highest.

“Second piece to this is we also recognize the development of a future library is intended to happen downtown and it will generate between 750,000 and a million visitors downtown. Add that to the potential 500,000 to 600,000 visitors that a new event centre might create (and) we think those two projects have a transformational impact on the future of our downtown.

“The last piece to it is we also believe it is the location where we believe we have the best ability to build a true entertainment district in the heart of our city.”

Reid hinted a smart vision for the city to have would make it so the potential arena, a baseball stadium and an aquatic centre are all within a stone’s throw of each other. However, a plan like that likely won’t be completed in the immediate future.

“If we can co-ordinate all these investments over the next couple of years, we can have a city for the next generation,” Reid said.

Reid suggests a new arena is needed because the Brandt Centre lacks the seating capacity and amenities that other arenas across Canada have.

As a result, he said, REAL has missed out on attracting concerts and tourists dollars to southern Saskatchewan.

Reid says while it is possible to renovate the Brandt Centre, those renovations would only serve as a band-aid.

“Upgrading the Brandt Centre would get us 15 years. A new facility would likely give us 50 (years) and we felt that was likely the most reasonable investment,” he added.

If the facility is built, Reid says REAL plans on keeping the Brandt Centre operational. It would likely be downsized to accommodate various other sports and recreational activities.

“To put that in perspective, it doesn’t owe us anything,” Reid explained. “It’s paid for, (is) owned by the citizens of Regina and (is) a facility that continues to drive great value in our community.”

Reid mentioned it could also be used for agricultural events as well.

Ballpark talks

An update was also given on the status of the Regina Red Sox’ plans for a new ballpark in the city.

Reid said a study found the city needs more artificial diamonds because of the wear and tear grass diamonds take over four seasons. It also found Currie Field is no longer rated a Class 1 facility in Canada.

He mentioned there are lots of people playing baseball in the city and there is more demand for more diamonds. Having a new facility could help attract larger-scale baseball events in the future.

REAL is to present its findings to Regina’s executive committee on Wednesday.