Build Toronto, on behalf of the City of Toronto, has invited design teams to submit their qualifications for the first of a two-stage design competition for the proposed Etobicoke Civic Centre which will be part of a redevelopment of the former Westwood Theatre Lands in Toronto.

After 45 years in operation, Etobicoke’s Westwood Theatre has closed its doors, and the lands on which it sat have been identified for redevelopment. Build Toronto has been charged with master planning for the 13.8-acres site and, concurrently, the City of Toronto is carrying out a $77 million infrastructure transformation to redesign and urbanize the busy road network surrounding the site.

This significant transformation taking place has provided us with an important City-Building opportunity. Within the Westwood Theatre Lands site, a city block has been designated for the new Etobicoke Civic Centre, which is being relocated from the West Mall. The Etobicoke Civic Centre is envisioned as the new focus of activity, commerce and civic celebrations for the Etobicoke York District. The new civic centre will include municipal offices and facilities such as a recreation centre, a library and a child care centre, surrounding a new central civic square.

Following a four-week Request for Supplier Qualifications process, we received an overwhelming response from the design community comprised of both local and international design talents who are excited to lend their bold and fresh ideas to the design of the new Etobicoke Civic Centre. This is an important civic project that will provide the opportunity to establish the identity of the Etobicoke Civic Centre Precinct through a design that is integrated and inspired.

The Etobicoke Civic Centre Precinct will be defined by a high quality and sustainable public realm design, featuring public squares, parks, public art, and safe, attractive environments for pedestrians and cyclists. At the heart of this precinct, the Etobicoke Civic Centre will become a new landmark for Etobicoke in the City of Toronto – not only delivering the municipal business of the community but enhancing the public sphere and serving the public interests of generations to come.

DESIGN COMPETITION NEXT STEPS

Jury for Stage 1: Request for Supplier Qualifications

A jury composed of members of Build Toronto, the City of Toronto and Professional Advisors DTAH will review Request for Supplier Qualifications submissions and select a shortlist to proceed to Stage 2. The jury will review all submissions, and recommend up to five design teams based on the merits of their letters of interest, team composition, resumés and previous work experience.

Stage 2 of the Selection Process - Request for Proposals

Finalist teams will be invited to move forward to develop a concept based on a detailed project design brief, and present their design to the jury in April 2017.