Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Cambridge plans to issue an RFQ for design architects to complete two concepts of graduated value for the Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange library facility. It’s one of two buildings planned for the 32.5 acre, joint-use community hub to be constructed at the south end of the city.
On May 17, council directed staff to complete two concepts – a full build option at $101 million and a modified build option at $84 million. Council will be presented with both options and approve one. The approved concept design and budget will be move into detailed design, currently scheduled to take place in 2023.
The goal is to complete construction in 2025.
Colliers Project Leaders Inc. has been contracted to perform project management throughout design and construction and work is underway to prepare the land for building construction and rough grading was completed in 2020.
Construction of roads and installation of municipal services started in December 2020 and is scheduled to be completed this summer.
“We’re excited to see the project moving forward with the design team,” said Helen Kelly, Idea Exchange CEO. “The new Idea Exchange location in a shared facility will serve as a welcoming and vibrant community destination for the Southeast Galt residents.”
Municipalities all over Ontario are experiencing construction market price volatility brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and world events. The Statistics Canada Construction Cost Index indicates a 15.3% increase from Q4 2020 to Q4 2021, especially impactful to large-scale developments. The Cambridge project faces timing and budget challenges.
The facility will be located on city-owned lands, along with new two elementary schools and a childcare facility. A neighbouring residential development called South Point is also underway.
The city, two school boards and the IDEA Exchange recently completed a Joint use campus feasibility study to evaluate various campus and facility space programs.
Council agreed with the recommended approach to locate two separate buildings on the joint site with shared amenities. The two schools will share one facility, and the Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange will share the second facility. The two facilities will frame a community park.
Due to the market pressures, Colliers Project Leaders hopes using a staged and flexible approach to advance the facility to the design development stage with cost containment measures.
The design will include:
- An 8 or 10 lane, 25m swimming pool and warm water leisure pool
- Gymnasiums
- Running or walking track and multi-purpose rooms
- Branch location of IDEA Exchange (Cambridge Public Library)
- The facility will be located on city-owned lands, along with new two elementary schools and a childcare facility. A neighbouring residential development called South Point is also underway.
The two schools will share one facility and the Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange will share the second facility.
