Servus Place expensive?

The municipal trend of building mega recreation centres continues.

Have a look at what's proposed in Grande Prairie — a 200,000 sq. ft. monster of an aquatics and wellness centre.

It's going to be attached to existing twin arenas and a gymnastics facility, but will include: leisure and competitive pools (you can surf too), fitness area, squash and racquetball courts, running track, soccer pitch, etc.

The construction contract hasn't been awarded yet, but it could reach $104 million, according to the Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribute.

Whether you agree with the 2004 plebiscite or not, it really hits home about inflation in Alberta since St. Albert's guaranteed maximum price of $42.8 million with PCL.

From the Herald-Tribune:
Cutting costs - City still looking at ways to reduce multiplex tender before Nov. 11 deadline

Interestingly, the aquatics and wellness centre was designed by the same firm as Servus Place, Barr Ryder Architects and Interior Designers.

Here's another tidbit that should be familiar to St. Albert residents — the GP multiplex was originally touted as a regional project between the City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie. When talks fell through, the city decided to go it alone.

If you want a closer look, here's a link to floor plan maps, visuals and the business plan. (They're forecasting 76 per cent cost recovery in 2011, the first year of operations, which would increase to 84 per cent and 99 per cent the following two years. Servus Place is shooting for 77 per cent in 2009).