The Cochrane Arts and Culture Foundation presented Rocky View County council with a study in support of an arts facility, Dec. 14.
The proposed facility would include a 400-seat multi-purpose space, a 100-seat rehearsal space, along with a full kitchen and community gathering space.
“There’s a need for an arts centre that serves both Cochrane and the region,” said Brian Fitzgerald of the Foundation.
“We really want to be a hub for the arts in the area.”
The Foundation’s feasibility study looked at costs, potential sites and expected economic returns.
The Foundation narrowed down potential locations to include a downtown site and a spot adjacent to the Spray Lakes Sawmills recreational centre, along the river.
Of the two, the riverfront site is the preferred location as it would provide ample parking and accessibility, according to Fitzgerald.
Depending on the site, the estimated cost for the 47,000-square-foot facility is about $22 million. The organization expects to make about $37 million during the first four years of operation.
“Our advantage is our location, we are near northwest Calgary,” said Fitzgerald.
He added that the facility could provide much-needed theatre space for city arts groups.
“We want to make sure whatever we build is sustainable.”
The Cochrane Arts and Culture Foundation is non-profit group dedicated to promoting the arts and community involvement.
