Apple Dome taking it in phases

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Double-digit inflation in the construction industry in recent years and a lack of federal funding has forced Apple Dome volunteers to change their plans.

The Apple Dome will now build the multi-million dollar Kings Mutual Century Centre in phases.

The committee hosted a public meeting January 31 to update the planning process, facility composition and proposed construction timetable.

John Emmett and Joe Zareski of WHW Architects presented the “modular concept” design, which will allow facilities to be added as independent components.

The full design now includes a 1,200 seat arena with a walking track, four-sheet curling surface, library, banquet room, fitness centre and outdoor pool.

Apple Dome chairman George Moody explained the financial realities.

“When we started this project, it was going to cost $9 million to get everything we wanted.” He said construction costs have escalated over the years, bringing the total closer to $17 million. The new budget for phase one of the project - the foundation, arena and installation of structural and electrical infrastructure for future phases - is $9.4 million.

While money has come from the provincial government, none has been forthcoming from the federal level. Moody, however, is hopeful a new program this spring could provide funding. He expects the committee will be asking for $3 million.

The Apple Dome committee’s fundraising has raised $5.234 million, of which $1.9 million came from golf tournaments and public donations. Kings Mutual pledged $1 million and $2 million has been promised by Nova Scotia.

Faced with drastic changes, the committee now plans construction of the arena later this year and remaining phases will be added when “proponents” sign on.

“In order for any of the additional facilities, such as the outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, library, banquet room or curling club to move forward; a proponent must be identified,” details a committee memo on the new development procedure. Any proponent agreement “would include a commitment to the capital costs, an annual operating or management agreement and participation as a member on the revised Berwick and District Community Association.”

Berwick Councillor Mike Trinacty said, while there have been some preliminary discussions with local organizations, no proponents have been identified.

Any discussion of an indoor pool was dismissed by the committee as too costly. The planned outdoor pool will cost $800,000; an indoor pool would run into the millions.

A tender for site work should go out this March, followed by a tender for construction of the foundation and the arena by June. Ground breaking could take place this summer.

Moody said the group is still committed to taking on the project without incurring any debt, unique among community projects of similar scale.