Private sector steps up for stadium
Posted Mar 12, 2012 06:27:47 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax’s proposed sports stadium is reportedly getting significant support from the private sector, although how much support will not be made public until 11 days before the Canadian Soccer Association’s deadline.
Coun. Darren Fisher (East Dartmouth – The Lakes) tells News 95.7 municipal staff members working on the business plan have received seven expressions of interest from the private sector.
“I do not know to what extent what these levels of interest are, whether they are a dollar or $10 million,” Fisher told Maritime Morning, Saturday.
A full report will be presented during Halifax Regional Council’s next regular meeting on March 20.
Despite the interest from private stakeholders, Fisher said government support is still critical to the project’s success, and he said he hopes the province will see the merit of the project.
“If we find that there’s some real excitement from the private sector then perhaps that will spur on the province,” he said. “I’m sure the province is still discussing this.”
The city has until March 31 to confirm its intention as a host city for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournament – and that can’t happen without a commitment to build a sports stadium.
Fisher said if the city was not named as one of the FIFA hosts that it would still move forward with the stadium project, but at a more relaxed pace.
The Phase 2 report submitted to council in December recommended a 14,000-seat stadium with room for 6000 temporary seats, with an estimated cost between $54 and $71 million. The city would contribute $20 million.
