Regina library proposes downtown culture centre

The Regina Public Library is proposing a new cultural centre for the city's downtown, a building that would include a new central library branch, a local theatre group and a hotel space, according to materials submitted to city council.

The library's plans are tentative and require final approval from various authorities, including its own board of directors.

Details were shared with Regina city council, inviting the city to endorse the plan so that an application could be made to a federal infrastructure fund.

The material submitted to the city, which will consider the plan at a meeting Monday night, describes the development as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a major downtown cultural centre.

"With the Regina Public Library and Globe Theatre as its key occupants, the proposed development will be comprised of institutional, cultural, commercial and retail/restaurant uses," the report to council said.

The central library branch sits across from Regina's Victoria Park in the heart of downtown.

In 2009 the library board launched a process to redevelop the property.

No drawings were submitted to city council to review and there was no mention of the potential cost beyond suggesting that up to 25 per cent of the bill could be covered by the federal infrastructure program. If that funding mechanism was chosen it would also involve some private-sector involvement.

The material said the library board could also raise taxes to support the plan or borrow money, but borrowing the money would have to be coordinated with the city.

The report to city council was provided to council members during a private meeting on June 8. Monday's council meeting will be open to the public.