Plans to create a downtown entertainment district in the city’s lower bowl will be up for discussion at the Dec. 10 city council committee meeting.
Article content
Councilors will be asked to have city staff do the research, planning and strategy towards establishing the entertainment district. The other option is to hire a consultant to do the work.
A report prepared by city staff for councilors says the proposed sports entertainment center is one of the city’s biggest initiatives and a catalyst for downtown revitalization.
“The magnitude of such a project has impactful economic results to assist local businesses and residents, increase tourism and celebrate local pride,” the report says. “A focused effort to establish an entertainment district is one that mostly involves a marketing and branding exercise to help promote the downtown as a cohesive and exciting district.
Article content
“Preparing this framework in-house will be the most effective and efficient way to establish the district.”
The work will require planning, collaboration and attention to the needs of everyone involved, the report says.
The city’s community engagement staff will determine the best means to engage residents. The consultation process will likely include social media, the city’s website, in-person interviews and building on current partnerships with local artists, investors, residents, developers, the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant, the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area and post-secondary educational institutions, among others.
The proposed entertainment district would be in the area around 79 Market St. S., the site of the proposed $140-million sports entertainment center. The center will be the home of the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
The area, commonly called the lower bowl, covers Dalhousie Street to the north where the Sanderson Center and Harmony Square are located. The western boundary runs along the Grand River to the southern boundary of Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. The area is bordered to the east by Alfred Street and Greenwich Street.
Share this article in your social network