Cambridge awards recreation complex design contract to Colliers
The City of Cambridge has awarded the architectural and engineering services contract for a key building at its south-end community hub.
Professional services firm Colliers Project Leaders will take over design duties for the Cambridge Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange library facility. The building is one of two sited for the 32.5-acre, joint-use, community hub to be constructed at a site north of the intersection of Dundas Street South and Branchton Road.
“We’re looking forward to working with Colliers to create this community hub that will add to the vibrancy of our wonderful, growing city,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “This is an important next step and another partnership on a project that has already brought together so many.”
In February 2021, Cambridge City Council approved a partnership framework to guide the design, development and operation of the hub.
Plans for the site include the new recreation complex, a public library, two elementary schools and a childcare facility. The two schools will share one facility, and the Recreation Complex and Idea Exchange will share the second facility. The two facilities will frame a community park.
“We’re excited to see the joint-use campus moving forward with the expertise and knowledge that Colliers will bring to the project as we plan for a new Idea Exchange location in a shared facility that will serve as a vibrant community destination,” said Idea Exchange CEO Helen Kelly.
Colliers has more than 25 years of providing project-delivery expertise. It has worked on similar projects such as Canoe Landing in Toronto.
“Colliers is extremely excited to join the City of Cambridge project team for the delivery of the Cambridge Recreation Complex and library,” said Ron Spina, principal of Colliers. “We look forward to being a part of the design and construction that will provide Cambridge more recreation and culture opportunities in the near and far future.”
Colliers plans to issue an RFP for design services in April. At that stage, the city will retain architectural services to start the design development process. The design and budget will be approved by council before moving to tender, currently scheduled to begin in 2023.
The current budget for the entire hub project is $93.2 million, with more than $64 million allocated for the recreation complex and Idea Exchange library.