Building the case for conferences: Sudbury group proposes $106-million convention-performing arts hall.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: CONFERENCE & CONVENTION - Conference news

A group of Sudbury business and institutional leaders are making a push for a hugely ambitious downtown convention hall and performing arts centre.

Paul Finley, project manager for the Greater Sudbury Synergy Centre, insists the city is missing out on a plethora of conference business because no venue exists locally that can host 1,000 to 2,000 delegates.

The group is putting forward a proposal for a $106-million dual-use event centre to the City of Greater Sudbury, which would include a $65-million, 127,000-square-foot event centre, a $25-million privately financed hotel, a parking garage and 15,000 to 25,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial development.

"There is a whole series of mid market-sized acts travelling North America, similar to conventions, who bypass Sudbury to go to Parry Sound and North Bay because there is nowhere to perform here," said Finley.

The concept has been in the works since 2012 when a committee of local leaders first met.

Attempts over the years to build either a stand-alone convention centre or a performing arts space have fizzled because the building wouldn't generate year-round traffic and would need operating subsidies from the city, said Finley, a former city economic development officer.

"This group took the challenge of trying to come up with a facility that would serve both needs for conference and performing arts space."

To add some clout, they've attracted some heavyweight consultants who see value in the Sudbury market, namely Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum); CBRE, the world's largest real estate services firm; and PRK Consulting, a leading hospitality and tourism firm, who've shaped the feasibility study and financing case.

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"They like the project and, along with a local development group, have indicated their interest to place a 300-room hotel as part of a mixed-use development initiative for the downtown," said Finley.

"Our lack of ability to attract large conferences is impairing business opportunities for all hotels in this community right now. There are conferences galore that would come here that could fill three or four or more hotels."

Finley said they've spoken with other developers who can establish complementary restaurants, retail and condominiums.

The project financing plan calls for federal and provincial funders to contribute $15 million each with private sector contributions and sponsorships--like venue naming rights--amounting to $15 million.

The...