City of Kitchener is ready to hear from developers on building a new Rockway Centre
Posted May 14, 2024 10:45:27 AM.
Last Updated May 14, 2024 11:50:12 AM.
A whole new recreation centre to replace Rockway Centre for Kitchener’s older adults is one step closer to reality.
The city has issued a request for information, or RFI, for developers and “interested partners” to express their interest in building the new centre.
A statement from the city says the new centre will be “welcoming, accessible, modern and include amenities like a gymnasium, large multi-purpose rooms, accessible washrooms and other spaces that are specifically designed for older adult programming.”
The RFI is the first part of a three-phase plan approved by council on April 29: A request for information; community engagement; and then a request for proposal.
A statement from the city says there are two options to replace Rockway; build on a new site near the current location, or build on that current location at 1405 King Street East, at the foot of Charles Street.
The statement says if it ends up being a new location, decisions have been made yet about where the new centre would be.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic says, “Kitchener’s growing population of older adults deserve a modern, purpose-built facility that is designed to meet their needs and provide a special place to gather and call their own.”
The Community & Infrastructure Services Committee chair, councillor Margaret Johnston, says, “It’s exciting that Kitchener’s older adults can look forward to a new, more modern facility.”
Developers have to respond to the RFI by 1:00 p.m., June 6.
