As we approach the one-year mark since the Panorama Hills Community Centre (PHCC) closed for its much-anticipated expansion, we are thrilled to share some significant updates with you. Your patience and support have been invaluable, and we are excited to bring you the latest news on our journey to enhance our community space.
New Drone Footage and Renderings Now Available!
We are delighted to announce that new drone footage showcasing the ongoing construction is now available on our website. This footage provides a bird’s-eye view of the progress we’ve made, and we encourage you to check it out. Additionally, we have uploaded new renderings that depict how the PHCC will look upon completion. These visuals offer a glimpse into the future of our community centre, and we hope you are as excited as we are about the transformation.
Full details here: https://myphra.com/phcc-expansion/
Construction Phases and Current Status
The PHCC expansion project has been progressing through several key phases:
- Feasibility Study: Completed in early 2021, this phase involved assessing the potential for expansion on the current PHCC property.
- Stakeholder Inputs: Ongoing since September 2020, we have continuously engaged with community members and key stakeholders to gather valuable feedback.
- Design and Budgeting: Finalized in 2021, this phase included detailed planning and securing the necessary budget.
- Construction: Began in late 2023 following the AGM and has been advancing steadily. We have completed the demolition and excavation phases, laid the foundations, and are now working on the structural elements of the new facilities.
- Opening: We are on track to open the newly expanded PHCC in early 2025. More specific details will be shared as we get closer to the completion date.
Highlighting New Features and Benefits
The expanded PHCC will offer a range of new features designed to enhance your experience and meet the growing needs of our community:
- Event Centre: A spacious venue with a 150-person occupancy and kitchen facilities, perfect for hosting large gatherings and events.
- Program Centre: Accommodating up to 100 people, this versatile space will support a variety of programs and activities.
- Outdoor Lounge: A relaxing area for casual gatherings and socializing.
- Members Lounge: A comfortable space for members to unwind and connect.
- Boardroom: A dedicated space for meetings and community discussions.
- Lobby and Reception Area: Featuring a member services counter and offices, ensuring a welcoming and efficient experience for all visitors.
These new features are designed to provide functional value, flexibility, and sustainability, allowing us to host a wider range of events and programs that cater to all age groups and interests. The PHCC will become a modern, transformative hub that is relevant and future-proof, ensuring it remains a vital part of our community for years to come.
Accessibility Enhancements
We are committed to making the PHCC accessible to everyone in our community. The expansion includes several key accessibility elements:
- Lift Access: Ensuring all levels are easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
- Accessible Washrooms: Fully equipped washrooms designed to accommodate all members, including those with disabilities.
- Wide Doorways and Hallways: Providing ample space for wheelchair access and ease of movement throughout the facility.
- Ramp Access: Smooth and safe entry points to the building and various areas within the centre.
These enhancements reflect our dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.
Celebrating Our Community Efforts
Throughout the construction period, our dedicated staff have continued to serve the wider community by maintaining our facilities and organizing activities in public parks. We took full advantage of the good weather to run various programs and events in local greenspaces, ensuring that our members remained engaged and connected.
We understand that you may have questions about the expansion project. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
- When will the PHCC reopen? We anticipate reopening in early 2025. More details will be provided as we approach the completion date.
- What new features can we expect? The expanded PHCC will include an Event Centre, Program Centre, Outdoor Lounge, Members Lounge, Boardroom, and a new Lobby and Reception Area.
- How can I stay updated on the progress? We will continue to provide updates through our website, newsletter, social media, and email. Please visit our website for the latest information.
We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made and the efforts of our team to bring this project to life. The expanded PHCC will provide much-needed indoor community space, and we are confident that it will become a vibrant hub for all members to enjoy. This project embodies our commitment to being inclusive, accessible, transparent, and collaborative, fostering multi-generational social connections and engagement within our community. Full details here: https://myphra.com/phcc-expansion/
Thank you for your continued support and patience. We look forward to welcoming you back to the new and improved PHCC in early 2025!
