'Playing catch-up': Burlington releases price estimate for Robert Bateman High School repurposing

The City of Burlington has released the estimated cost for the planned repurposing of the former Robert Bateman High School building.

The total gross estimated cost of construction for Phase 1 is $72.75 million. Design features in Phase 1 include Brock University classrooms and administration spaces, an expanded library, a new front entrance, a new central staircase, meeting rooms, refreshed gymnasium, TechPlace Office spaces and adult program classrooms for the Halton District School Board.

Tim Commisso, Burlington city manager, said the changes will add close to 40,000 square feet of new recreation, leisure and cultural space to the community.

The City recently completed the acquisition of the Robert Bateman High School and secured both the building and lands in public ownership and for continued community use. We fully recognize the one-time capital expenditure needed to bring the facility to modern standards is significant, but investing the money now will provide another 50-plus years of useful life as a new City owned and operated community hub," said Commisso.

The existing building, a two-storey, 212,000 square-foot, brick-clad structure, was built in 1969, with additions completed in 1973 and 2003. The building contains community space and the Burlington Centennial Pool, which was recently renovated and will remain accessible to the community throughout the renovation.

The reuse and conversion of the former secondary school will be completed via interior renovations, enhancements and minor site plan modifications as part of Phase 1.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said the development of the facility is about building a city for future generations.

This will be the largest community centre in Burlington and will help alleviate pressures throughout our existing facilities due to demand for space. We are playing catch-up. We know community amenities haven't kept up with population growth, and we need to invest more in parks and community centres," said Meed Ward.

Along with the construction costs, staff will also present a financing plan in December. The financing plan proposes approximately $46 million in tax-supported debt financing, with the remainder coming from non-tax-supported sources, which includes contributions from tenants who will be paying rent annually and possible funding to be confirmed from the federal government.

The project will also include a second phase which is the development of approximately 40,000 square feet of new City community centre space and new future space for community partners. The estimated cost of Phase 2 is $15 million to $20 million, with the facility design to be brought back to council following the completion of public engagement meetings.

For more information on the project, a staff report will be presented at the Dec. 8 Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services committee.