GSL Group has laid out an $18 to $22 million revitalization plan for Prospera Place.
“That’s what we want to do, increase the overall experience in the building,” said President and CEO Graham Lee during a news conference Jan. 31. “As well as providing benefits for the Kelowna Rockets and increasing the chances to winning a bid for the Memorial Cup.”
Lee said improvements include expansion of the south end of the arena, including new dressing rooms, a mezzanine, and possibly new seats.
There are also plans to expand the food court, create restaurant suites, improve concourse lighting, and replace premium bowl seats.
Specific to a possible Memorial Cup bid improvements include a new centre-hung LED four-sided screen and score clock, new flat panel displays throughout the concourse, and a new sound system.
Lee said the final cost depends on all improvement being completed, and estimates construction would take seven to nine months.
“I think we could amortize this over 15 years and the cost would be shared between the city and us of around $2 million a year.”
The proposal was sent to the city on Jan. 30, but Lee said he has not yet had a response.
“It’s up to the city in the end, if they want to discuss it further we’re open to that.”
The city announced on Jan. 25 that it had informed GSL Group it was looking for a new operator for Prospera Place.
READ MORE: City of Kelowna pursues new operator of Prospera PlaceLee was asked about the status of GSL’s relationship with the city.
“You’ll have to ask them. They asked us for a proposal which we submitted. So that was a surprise.”
He added that Prospera Place is still relevant today.
“I would agree though that there are things that we could enhance the user experience with.”
The city’s agreement with GSL expires in 2029, and Lee said he’s unsure if his company would be involved after that if the city moves on with a new operator.
Black Press has reached out to the city for comment and is waiting for a response.
READ MORE: Pushback on City of Kelowna’s plan for future of Prospera Place