South Gate Expansion Expected to Begin this Summer

Friday, 19 April 2024 10:35

The multi-million dollar expansion will double the size of the seniors centre.

WOODSTOCK - We finally have some potential dates for the South Gate Centre's expansion project.

The construction tender went out on April 4th, it closes on May 2nd, and South Gate is hoping for City Council's approval on May 16th.

From there, shovels should hit the ground this summer. David Hilderley, the Chairman of the South Gate Capital Expansion Committee, says the construction shouldn't take too long, in theory.

"The architect is hopeful that the construction will be a one-year period, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the general contractor can do that. It is a big project obviously and we all know that construction has little hiccups along the way, but that is the optimistic outlook for it."

How the seniors centre will operate during the construction has yet to be determined, but Executive Director Chris Cunningham says they're prepared for anything.

"If there is a displacement period at all during this time, we have other locations that we have already secured and are having conversations with so you won't miss a beat."

The expansion will double the size of the seniors centre. It will include new lounge areas, new atrium areas, additional programming space, and a second kitchen where members of the community and caterers will be able to bring their own food for events.

Cunningham is very excited about the new event space, which will be able to hold up to 400 people.

"We are right on the edge of beautiful Southside Park here in Woodstock and that is really going to set us apart from anyone else. So if you are looking to book a function in later 2025 or 2026, you should definitely keep us in mind. It will be all windows facing the park, so it's super exciting!"

The event space could also be divided into three smaller event spaces for smaller-scale events.

This multi-million dollar project has been nine years in the making with lots of fundraising efforts since then, but Hilderley says more still needs to be done.

"We are still looking for donations, so please reach out to us and help us out if you can. This is going to be a landmark that will exist for a long time."

You can donate to the project online here.

Chris Cunningham and David Hilderley stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie this morning. You can listen to the full interview below: