The contentious issue of creating a community hub in downtown Chatham will be back at council next month.
At last Monday’s council meeting, Ward 6 representative Alysson Storey inquired about when the tender report would be released for public and council review.
Back in May, council held its meeting at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre, and voted 12-5 in favour of proceeding to a request for proposals process to find a contractor for the project.
In response to Storey, administration said it plans to release the report at least two weeks prior to the October 20 meeting on October 6.
Bidding for the new Chatham-Kent Community Hub on King Street closed on August 27, with contractors bidding to renovate the old Sears building into a “multi-functional facility that will house new public spaces, including the Chatham Branch Library, the Chatham Museum, as well as Municipal Customer Service, Service Ontario, City Hall Council Chambers, and private offices”
The estimated costs for the hub are around $52,883,600 which remains within the council-approved $53 million budget. This includes the purchase of the former Sears building, construction costs, consulting services, furniture, and relocation costs.
The journey towards the Community Hub has been a long one, with CK divided on whether to renovate the current municipal building or move into 100 King Street West.