New performing arts centre to transform downtown Fredericton

Mayor Mike O’Brien says Fredericton’s new performing arts centre will be built along the capital city’s riverfront.

O’Brien said it will transform a key part of the city from “a suburban freeway to a riverside promenade.”

The new centre will be built on the site of the York Street parking lot by city hall.

The mayor said it will be an “iconic looking structure” and hopes it will spur development along the riverfront.

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“This is going to drive the arts and culture community to new levels and inspire people to get into dance, music theatre, but it’s also going to inspire other developers to want to build alongside and be part of the synergy,” said O’Brien.

O’Brien said the current building, the Fredericton Playhouse, is nearing the end of its life and has be be replaced.

He said the new performing arts centre has been the city’s top priority for the past several years and is something he worked on as a city councillor.

He said the building will fit on the current lot and it will be flood-proofed.

O’Brien said the city has committed $14 million and will be matched by the provincial and federal governments.

“It’s going to transform our downtown,” O’Brien said.

The city hopes to break ground on the new facility by 2018.

O’Brien made the announcement during his State of the City address.