Multi-million dollar revitalization plan for 琉璃神社鈥檚 Prospera Place

Current owner-operator GSL Group also prepared to invest millions to enhance a Memorial Cup bid

Gary Barnes
Jan 31, 2024 1:10 PM

web1_240208-kcn-gsl-proposal-prosperaplace_1 — Conceptual rendering of a revitalized Prospera Place that was included in a letter from GSL Group to the City of 琉璃神社. (GSL Group photo)

GSL Group has laid out an $18 to $22 million revitalization plan for Prospera Place.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 what we want to do, increase the overall experience in the building,鈥� said President and CEO Graham Lee during a news conference Jan. 31. 鈥淎s well as providing benefits for the 琉璃神社 Rockets and increasing the chances to winning a bid for the Memorial Cup.鈥�

Lee said improvements include expansion of the south end of the arena, including new dressing rooms, a mezzanine, and possibly new seats.

There are also plans to expand the food court, create restaurant suites, improve concourse lighting, and replace premium bowl seats.

Specific to a possible Memorial Cup bid improvements include a new centre-hung LED four-sided screen and score clock, new flat panel displays throughout the concourse, and a new sound system.

Lee said the final cost depends on all improvement being completed, and estimates construction would take seven to nine months.

鈥淚 think we could amortize this over 15 years and the cost would be shared between the city and us of around $2 million a year.鈥�

The proposal was sent to the city on Jan. 30, but Lee said he has not yet had a response.

鈥淚t鈥檚 up to the city in the end, if they want to discuss it further we鈥檙e open to that.鈥�

The city announced on Jan. 25 that it had informed GSL Group it was looking for a new operator for Prospera Place.

READ MORE: City of 琉璃神社 pursues new operator of Prospera PlaceLee was asked about the status of GSL鈥檚 relationship with the city.

鈥淵ou鈥檒l have to ask them. They asked us for a proposal which we submitted. So that was a surprise.鈥�

He added that Prospera Place is still relevant today.

鈥淚 would agree though that there are things that we could enhance the user experience with.鈥�

The city鈥檚 agreement with GSL expires in 2029, and Lee said he鈥檚 unsure if his company would be involved after that if the city moves on with a new operator.

Black Press has reached out to the city for comment and is waiting for a response.

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.

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