Proposed design of a new Civic Centre at the Downtown Chatham Centre.

Plans are in the works for the second of three stakeholder engagement sessions for the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub.

The project would see the Civic Centre, Chatham library, and Chatham-Kent museum consolidated into the former Sears building at the Downtown Chatham Centre.

Among the groups taking part in the stakeholder sessions include the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, Chamber of Commerce, CK Heritage Network, CK Arts and Culture Network, and others.

Municipal officials say the aim is to ensure that the lived and practiced experiences from community stakeholders are heard, considered, and reflected when designs for the proposed Chatham-Kent Community Hub are being developed.

The next meeting is set to take place June 6th. Following a third meeting, a public information session will be held mid-summer to refine designs based on stakeholder and community feedback and finalize a cost estimate.

The project will then return to Council for a decision on whether or not to move forward. If approved, the next phase will entail finalization of the designs, tendering costs, construction procurement, and, pending approval, the start of construction.