Convention Centre renovation

[ScreamingViking]

Originally posted this in a thread largely about Andlauer's proposed arena and development at Lime Ridge.

And I didn't see one specific to the convention centre, so...


Some images of the forthcoming $10M reno... looks to be mainly cosmetic.
https://www.thespec.com/business/ham...1cb794ac7.html

The Hamilton Convention Centre will undergo a $10-million renovation, set to be ready in time for the 2026 Juno Awards to roll into the city.

The project, a partnership between the Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group (HUPEG) and Carmen’s Group, was announced at a media event Friday — held in one of the many rooms inside the 80,000-square-foot venue that will see a total refresh by next March.

...


Mercanti said the “head-to-toe refurbishment” of the facility will include changes to the front lobby to allow more natural light into the building, as well as new flooring, wall decor and ceiling features on all three storeys.

The renovation will also see the creation of roughly 7,500 square feet of new event space within the venue, plus a rooftop garden with bee hives and a publicly accessible coffee and wine bar on the largely inactive Summers Lane.

...


Beyond giving the 44-year-old building a new lease on life, Mercanti and his team are hopeful the modernized facility will draw in more regional, provincial and national events that will give the local economy a boost.

...


Speaking on attracting more bookings, Hamilton Convention Centre manager Vince Bozzo highlighted the creation of a wellness room for attendees and improved technology throughout the venue to ensure ease of access for organizations hosting anything from a small gala to a multiday conference.

The menu offerings for the venue will also be revamped, with a focus on highlighting the Hamilton foodie scene and locally sourced products, added Bozzo.

...


Work on the renovation project is already underway, with some of the early demolition having started late last year, noted Mercanti. The building permits needed to get going on the rest of the construction were recently awarded by the city.

Part of the renovation will also include a new HVAC system, noted Mercanti, which is expected to reduce the venue’s carbon footprint by 50 per cent.

Lobby:


Coffee/wine bar:


A concession bar:


Webster Room:

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

Some images of the forthcoming $10M reno... looks to be mainly cosmetic.

And I know... can't expect much from ten million bucks these days.

There is probably a lot that limits what can be done. I still think the city should go big and expand across MacNab onto that parking/empty lot that's the former Robinson's and Royal Bank beside the Commerce Place twins (which remains a sad reality in the city) with a huge space on a second floor that overlaps the street and connects to the original convention centre.

I'm not sure if there is a market for more than a glorified wedding venue though, or if other empty large spaces in the city could suffice at a better price because expropriating the vacant lots alone would be expensive, never mind putting up a visionary building.

[ohhimark]

Going big doesn't seem to be the Hamilton way. 10 million for some paint and replacing the "Burger King" floor tiles would be a nice improvement. I wonder how much life is left in the parking structure across from it? They said they want more activity on Summers lane, and it looks less inviting and more heroin-y.

[Innsertnamehere]

Honestly it's more than I expected for $10m.

[SteelTown]

https://pub-hamilton.escribemeetings...umentId=470539

Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group L.P has also begun $10 million in Convention Centre upgrades, expected to be mostly complete by March 2026, while $2.5 million in Concert Hall improvements are expected in 2026.

Hamilton Convention Centre Update
The Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group L.P, tenants of the Convention Centre, have commenced a $10 M renovation project. The Convention Centre will remain open throughout construction, with renovations undertaken in stages in order to minimize operational disruptions. Substantial completion is anticipated by March 2026, ahead of the Juno Awards.
The renovations focus on expanding and adding new meeting spaces within the existing facility, all while enhancing its overall interior design and creating a refreshed look and feel.