THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay expects to approve the final building and site design for the new multi-use indoor sports facility at Chapples Park by next January.
That's the timeline established by the city in a notice inviting proposals from consulting firms interested in handing the $30 million project.
The document outlines the amenities and activities that would be contained within a two-storey, pre-engineered metal building:
- indoor synthetic turf field 310 feet by 190 feet with a minimum 40 feet clear height
- dressing rooms and referee change area
- indoor walking track
- concession
- public lobby/entrance/washrooms
- mezzanine viewing area
- storage space
- automatic quarter pitch field separation curtains
The city says it prefers a design that will "minimize the typically industrial feel and look of a pre-engineered building system."
Although city council has not yet approved the inclusion of tennis courts, the city is asking the successful bidder to provide for the addition of four to six enclosed tennis courts, either as part of the new facility or as an independent standalone facility adjacent to it.
Construction tenders could be called by May 2020, with completion projected by November 2021.
The city says the successful proponent must have proven experience in the design of multi-use indoor sports facilities, and must have completed at least one of similar size and use within the last five years.
