Landmark project to be a catalyst to develop downtown Brampton
BRAMPTON – The City of Brampton is now seeking expressions of interest for the Centre for Innovation (CFI). As a catalyst for future growth and part of the city’s growing Innovation District, the Centre for Innovation (CFI) is envisioned as an iconic landmark building for Brampton, with engaging collaborative public use spaces, and educational or industry partnerships.
Through expressions of interest, the City is exploring a variety of project delivery and/or potential partnership models to draw on the expertise and strengths of the private sector to help realize this transformative project. Proponents are required to register by emailing CFIsubmission@brampton.ca by Thursday, May 18, 2023, 3:00 pm EST. Submissions are due by Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 3:00 pm EST. For more information on the expressions of interest, visit www.brampton.ca/cfi. For more information about current projects and initiatives in downtown Brampton, visit www.brampton.ca/downtown.
Background
The revitalization of downtown Brampton continues to be a priority for this term of Council, by making investments in infrastructure and seeking public and private partnerships. In September of 2017, Council endorsed, in principle, up to $100 million for a joint-use Brampton Centre for Education, Innovation and Collaboration (BCEIC), now known as the Center for Innovation (CFI) in Downtown Brampton. In February of 2018, Council authorized retaining an architectural firm to provide design and contract services. In May of 2019, Council endorsed 8 and 14 Nelson Street West as the preferred location of CFI to merge with the new Transit Hub, creating a more connected downtown core.
The procurement for an Architect began in the fall of 2020, with the City issuing a letter of award in July 2021. Following that, in September 2021, Council authorized staff to begin procurement to hire a Construction Manager for the CFI. In September of 2022, staff proposed publishing a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) to seek innovative ideas and partnership models from prospective Proponents. The RFEOI will be open for one month before proceeding to an evaluation process over the summer. In the fall, Council will consider the submissions and decide on next steps.
“Through collaboration, we are putting the necessary building blocks in place to develop our downtown and the City Innovation District into an economic and innovation hub. This EOI represents the unique opportunity to partner with the City in an endeavour to yield long-term social, economic and cultural benefits for all potential partners, the city, and Brampton residents and businesses. This future building will showcase design excellence, sustainability and innovation, while paying homage to Brampton’s historical and cultural legacies.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton