Greater Vernon Cultural Centre expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors a year

Photo: RDNO

Vernon's forthcoming cultural centre is expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors a year.

A project vision for the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre was presented to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Wednesday.

It envisions the centre as a dynamic focal point in downtown Vernon that will bring an estimated $500,000 in direct economic benefit and complement other attractions for a total an increase of nearly $2 million a year in economic benefit.

The centre, to be built on the site of the 31st Avenue parking lot downtown, will be a cultural hub housing a relocated Vernon Public Art Gallery, Greater Vernon Museum, and an "intimate presentation and event space."

It is seen as a landmark to promote the arts and heritage, and bring communities together via a "cultural commons" experience.

"The cultural centre will provide the foundation for bringing together our region's many communities and territories. It will energize our downtown with live performances, public gatherings, and will attract world-class exhibitions. The many people and activities that animate the cultural centre will flow between indoors and out, animating the site and building through all four seasons," the vision report states.

"Most importantly, the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre will be the catalyst for the transformation of our community's continually growing potential. It will promote a local pride of place, and stimulate urban revitalization by inspiring all peoples to live, work, and play downtown."

It is envisioned as an inclusive space that will "inspire dynamic programming, innovative art exhibitions, and a truthful and balanced account of our local history, shared in compelling ways."

The centre is expected to have a "profound" impact on the local cultural community, serving as an impetus for public art, multi-seasonal festivals, weekend street events and outdoor art installations.

Among the success factors listed for the project are the centre becoming a destination of choice for traveling art and museum exhibitions, the attraction of more grants and donations, it being a catalyst for growing cultural and development potential, the downtown becoming an active cultural district, and broad use of its offerings rather than single-purpose visits.

A date has not yet been given for the start of construction.

Borrowing of up to $28 million for the cultural centre was granted through an alternative approval process last spring.

Vancouver's Revery Architecture has been selected to oversee the project's development.

An updated project design and cost estimate remain to be completed.

Photo: RDNO