(UPDATE: Jan. 25 @ 2:10 pm) - GSL Group doesn't seem ready to give up on Prospera Place.
In a statement provided to KelownaNow, GSL's president and CEO Graham Lee says the City of Kelowna will soon be receiving a proposal on a new agreement for a shared, long-term vision for Prospera Place.
He said over the past few years, GSL has "continually expressed" interest in working with the City on a new agreement, most recently in December, and the proposal will be delivered in the coming days.
"As the owner and operator of Prospera Place, we have a vision to foster a thriving, vibrant arena district in the heart of Kelowna," explained Lee.
"As part of our vision, we want to partner with the City to make long-term investments in Prospera Place so it can continue to be a first-class entertainment facility for decades to come."
GSL's proposal for the City will reportedly include plans for new investments in seating, dressing rooms, amenities and other audio-visual technology.
Lee added: "While the 30-year agreement we have is clear that the City is responsible for capital repairs and upgrades, we are prepared to contribute to improving Prospera Place for the future.”
In response to Lee's statement, Mayor Tom Dyas told KelownaNow that their communication with GSL has been quite clear and the City is committed to finding a new operator for Prospera Place starting in 2029.
(Original story: Jan. 25 @ 11:55 am) - The City of Kelowna has informed GSL Group that it will be seeking a new operator for Prospera Place.
GSL has filled the role of owner-operator since the 6,886-seat multi-purpose arena opened in 1999 and the agreement between GSL and the City expires in 2029.
Despite there being five years left on that deal, the City says it will soon begin a planning and investment strategy for the facility, with a new partner, to ensure a smooth transition.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to GSL, the current owner-operator of Prospera Place, for their management of this key community facility for the past 24 years,” said Mayor Tom Dyas.
“GSL has been a valuable partner in bringing entertainment, culture and sports to our city, and we appreciate their contribution to our vibrant downtown.”
The City’s focus is now on maximizing the life of the quarter-century-old building and upgrading it to allow Kelowna to attract major events to the community.
As the City goes to market to explore new opportunities and options for the arena, it will develop a capital improvement plan and funding strategy for strategic investments.
The goal is to expand Prospera Place’s economic impact for the community and attract high-profile entertainment, major sporting events and meet the needs of the building’s primary tenant, the Kelowna Rockets.
Dyas notes that the arena can continue to be a key contributor to Kelowna’s economic future and the quality of life for residents.
“We want to make sure that it remains competitive and relevant in the marketplace,” the mayor added. “We are confident that Prospera Place will remain a hub of activity and excitement for our city for many years to come.”
The next step for the City is to engage a consultant team to develop a transition strategy for ownership of the building from GSL to Prospera Place.
GSL will remain the owner-operator until the end of their contract term in 2029.
