Fredericton performing arts centre loses potential funding

A major contributor to the new $40 million regional performing arts centre has run into difficulty approving its funding contribution.

"The timing is off," HanwellRural Communitymayor Chris Melvin said Monday on Information Morning Fredericton.

"We're all for the Playhouse. We want to see it go forward ... It really is a regret."

On July 13, four Hanwell councillors voted against a motion to contribute $670,000 over 10years, or $67,000 per year, toward a new facility that would replace the Fredericton Playhouse.

The councillors cited "other community commitments" as a reason for their decision. Two councillors voted in favour of the motion.

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Melvin explained some of those other commitments include a new firehall and a community centre. Melvin added that he agrees with council's decision to put other projects first.

Melvin explained that Hanwell'sproposedcontribution was based in part on data that showed three per cent of Hanwell residents attendedthe Playhouse.

The 709-seat Fredericton Playhouse opened in the 1960s.

In 2015, a study by the City of Fredericton recommended replacing the Playhouse because of the building's aging infrastructure with a new performing arts centre.

The new 6,665 sq.-metre facility would have two performance areas one with 850 seats and the other with 300 seats.