City council approved the Lansdowne Live project by a vote of 15-9 Monday night, after two changes in the deal.
A motion from Coun. Marianne Wilkinson means the city is to have a return on its $12-million contribution in cash to the project after changes in its partnership agreement with four Ottawa businessmen. A motion from Coun. Peter Hume establishes a panel, including urban designer George Dark, to advise on what the new facility should look like.
The Lansdowne Live plan aims to make Lansdowne Park into a sports and entertainment district, with a state-of-the-art stadium, retail and office space, a refurbished Civic Centre, and newly designed green space.
“Today’s vote in favour of the Lansdowne Partnership Plan allows the City and its partners to start working to return the neglected site to its former glory,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien in a press release on Monday.
The vote came after months of debate and a three-day special city council meeting.
City manager Kent Kirkpatrick said the city needs to concentrate on negotiating agreements with its developers now.
“This includes evaluating the business terms, developing the corporate governance, refining the development concept, completing agreements with third parties and developing a detailed public consultation process with the National Capital Commission and Parks Canada on the proposed redevelopment of the front lawn,” said Kirkpatrick in the press release.
In June 2010, staff plan to report back to council with results of negotiations and additional studies. Council will vote on whether or not they agree on the project.
The city plans to begin work on final design and construction in March 2011 and it would be completed by May 2014.