Performing Arts Centre

Project Type
Facilities
Status
In Progress
Estimated Completion
TBD

The vision for a theatre/performing arts centre within the downtown has been longstanding. The City’s 2006 Cultural Master Plan recommended the downtown as a logical, creative and natural home for the arts. 

Project Updates

October 25, 2024

Motions adopted by City Council on October 23 include a direction to retain Hariri Pontarini Architects to complete a schematic design for a new Performing Arts Centre at the current Sea Cadets site. In addition, a design concept and costing to locate a Multi-Use Sports Field at the Central Secondary School site will be prepared. For full information and to read the full motions, please read the Oct. 9 General Committee Report, sections B and D.

Design Considerations 

It is paramount that the venue is designed and built to industry standards, and to maximize operating revenues to minimize tax-supported operating expenses. Efficiency and affordability remain integral considerations for a municipality, balanced with the need to ensure the project is viable while reflecting the needs of the market, community and user groups. The design requirements must consider and balance the needs and wants of the user groups with functionality, operating expenses and potential revenues.

Original Proposed Site

The original site proposed for the new Performing Arts Centre, 125 Dunlop Street West, is the former location of Barrie Central Collegiate ("Central Secondary School"), which housed the 900+ seat W.A. Fisher Auditorium. Barrie Central Collegiate, the oldest school in Simcoe County, was founded in 1843 and was permanently closed at the end of the 2016/2017 academic year, with the auditorium closing following its final concert on May 11, 2016. 

Background

The key dates below highlight related work completed prior to the delivery of a recommended Performance Arts Centre project.

Frequently Asked Questions