Group Proposes $64-Million Multi-Purpose "Synergy Centre"

By Angela Gemmill

You’ll be hearing a lot more about the Greater Sudbury Synergy Centre, as a steering group works to get the project funded and and off the ground.

The proposed $64-million multi-purpose facility would host large conferences, mid-sized concerts and community events.

With special seating technology the site could transform quickly for different uses, all within one day.

Chair John Caruso says previous attempts to create something similar haven’t worked because they were single-use facilities which require subsidies since they sit empty often.

He says the multi-purpose centre could be profitable because it would always be in use for various sized functions.

The key aspect of this facility would be state-of-the-art technology, which could quickly transform the venue into various size options to accommodate several events.

The steering group is made up of stakeholders from Sudbury’s tourism, business and cultural sector.

The next step is to officially get approval from Sudbury City Council.

Project Manager, Paul Findley, says the mayor and councillors have been approached individually.

As well the steering group has also made provincial and federal government reps aware of the plans.

The Synergy Centre would be funded by all three levels of government, but Findley says they’ve spoken to interested private investors as well.

The site location, design, and capitol financing must wait until approval is given.

The group is hoping to have shovel-in-the-ground by the spring of 2018.

For more information on the project go to www.sudburysynergyproject.ca/