CAMPBELL RIVER – HCMA Architecture + Design has been awarded the contract to provide architectural and engineering services for the REC-REATE project at Strathcona Gardens. After an extensive procurement process evaluating numerous proposals from architectural firms with experience in pool design and major renovations, HCMA represented the best overall value to the Strathcona Regional District (SRD).
HCMA will lead the next stage in planning for a new aquatic centre, wellness and rehabilitation space, weight room, administration, and common spaces, excluding ice surfaces. Improvements and upgrades to the ice facilities will not be included however the SRD will continue to advocate and pursue future funding opportunities as they arise.
The high-level concept design that HCMA rendered to the Regional District in 2018 will be expanded to include further community engagement allowing the public an opportunity to visualize the project coming together by way of virtual reality (the ability to view spaces in real time) or the ability to look at it through a virtual three-dimensional model. It is recognized that COVID-19 is going to place some restrictions on the public engagement process, however, the firm is committed to some progressive ways of communicating to the community throughout the process.
“As we move forward with the redevelopment of Strathcona Gardens, we are confident in the experience, leadership and ambition that HCMA will provide our community hub,” said Andy Adams, Chair of the Strathcona Gardens Commission. “With their expertise for designing aquatic facilities, we know that the future of the facility will be fostered by a team who are leaders in accessibility, exploring alternatives for improved sustainability and innovated opportunities.”
HCMA has extensive experience in designing environmentally sustainable, accessible, and inclusive facilities. The firm has completed more than $800 million worth of aquatic and recreation facilities, including Vancouver’s Hillcrest Centre, Surrey Grandview Height Aquatic Centre and Richmond’s Minoru Centre for Active Living.
Specialty consultant teams selected for the project include:
- Structural engineering: RJC Engineering
- Civil and Landscape: Urban Systems
- Electrical engineering: Smith and Andersen
- Mechanical engineering: AME Group
- Building Envelope & Energy Modelling: Morrison Hershfield
- Acoustic: RWDI
It is anticipated that the Regional District will receive notice on the outcome of the second grant application by summer 2021, and the detailed design phase is scheduled to be completed by spring of 2022. To keep up to date with the latest news on the REC-REATE project, visit www.recreatesg.ca