The federal government has announced more than $18.1 million funding for the expansion of the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
The $54 million expansion project involves building a 3809-square metre facility that will provide cultural programming space for the community and surrounding areas. Among the new amenities will be a 550-seat performance venue with automated raked seating that will allow for multiple adaptations to the room’s configuration.
It will also feature a childcare centre, underground parkade, multifunctional spaces and commercial space.
Once complete, the Francis Winspear Centre for Music expansion will provide a wide variety of programming opportunities for the community, promoting community engagement, and supporting regional economic growth.
Funding for the project is through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The remaining funds for the project are being provided by the Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.
“This is a great example of all levels of government coming together to support an infrastructure project that will benefit the entire Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The Winspear is a thriving component to our arts community and investments like this are critical to maintaining and enhancing our reputation in offering incredible arts experiences,” says Mayor Don Iveson, City of Edmonton.
Construction of the Winspear Centre is scheduled to be complete in 2021 with a grand opening in 2022.
