Feasibility plans for downtown creative hub move forward

Kelowna lawmakers have given staff the go-ahead to move forward on plans to develop a creative hub at the former RCMP site in downtown Kelowna.

According to a city report, the first phase of a feasibility study found a creative hub in the area is feasible and needed. It would be used to better support cross-collaboration between arts and culture groups.

“The Hub concept delivers an innovative, community-led space for creative production, a new platform for art in the community and will further support engagement with the public to foster rich cultural life in the community,” Cultural Services Manager Christine McWillis told council Monday afternoon.

The Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers, New Vintage Theatre, and Alternator Centre for Contemporary Arts have worked with the city and an outside consultant on the endeavor since last summer.

While details around layout are yet to be determined, McWillis said the hub is expected to provide space for a wide variety of production and performance activities, as well as shared administration and community space.

Within that, around 2,000 sq/ft would be dedicated to production and performance, with room for around 100 people. Another 1,000 ft would house gallery space. The hub would also include video and audio editing booths, space for set design and material preparation, as well as utility rooms, washrooms, a bar, meeting spaces and storage.

The next phase of the study spans over 2022 and 2023. It includes work on a detailed design and costing, as well as submissions to the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces for grants.

Lawmakers raised concerns about relocating New Vintage Theatre and the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Arts, both anchor tenants in the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA).

However, McWillis said the RCA supports the move, adding both organizations have outgrown their space. The RCA does not foresee issues filling the vacancies, as it has a waiting list of organizations that want to move in.

“I am quite enthusiastic about this. I think back to our former councillors when they must have come together and they envisioned the RCA in the first place,” Coun. Luke Stack said. “It has been always a challenge, but it has been such a tremendous asset to the cultural community, and I see this as a small step in that same direction.”

The creative hub carries a price tag of about $3.1 million. It will be located in a new 13-storey development along Doyle Ave.

As part of the lease agreement with the potential developer, the city has secured 6,000 sq/ft of shell space for community use. It will be incorporated with a new civic plaza and Art Walk extension.

It’s the first in a line of properties that will likely be part of a complete overhaul of the Civic Precinct, which includes the redevelopment of land between Queensway and Clement Avenue, and Water and Ellis Street.

The land was rezoned by city council late last month. It goes to a public hearing on Nov. 16.