Time is running out for the public to provide its input on proposed revitalization plans for the Downtown Chatham Centre (DCC).
Chatham-Kent residents have until the end of the day on Friday to share their thoughts, concerns, or ideas on the public-private partnership that would see the Downtown Chatham Centre developed into a municipal community hub and arena/entertainment complex.
A group of local investors and the owners of the DCC presented the proposal to councillors in June. Council unanimously voted to conduct a due diligence process to determine capital costs and allow time for public consultation.
While council has applauded the redevelopment plans, at least one local group has expressed frustration at seemingly being overlooked in the proposal.
The plans for the DCC include consolidating the Thames Art Gallery and Chatham-Kent Museum from the Cultural Centre into the former Sears section of the mall. However, concerns have been raised about the Kiwanis Theatre portion of the centre, which has been entirely left out of the proposal.
In a written statement, Theatre Kent Board Chair Tony Erdelyi said that the loss of the theatre would price Theatre Kent out of using any municipally run facility in the future.
“At this point even the use of the CC or the Capitol Theater are expensive, and a larger venue would be out of the question,” he said.
When asked about the future of the theatre community in Chatham-Kent, Mayor Darrin Canniff said the municipality plans to support them through the transition.
“They’re going to be very well taken care of as we move forward,” he said.
Canniff also added that he would like to see the Cultural Centre and the Kiwanis Theatre remain open in some capacity, even if it’s through different ownership.
“I would really like to see that whole building maintained. Whatever methods we can do to do that and keep the theatre will be a huge win for the arts and culture group if we can keep that and maybe get it into someone else’s hands,” said Canniff.
Anyone who would like to provide their feedback on the proposed plans for the DCC can do so through the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website. The deadline for public consultation is 4 p.m. on Friday.
A report with the results of the community consultation will be presented to council on August 8.