Burlington will spend $57.9 million to turn school into a community centre

It will be cheaper than planned to turn old Robert Bateman High School into a multi-use neighbourhood hub.

City councillors today approved the construction bid of a London, Ontario-based firm to renovate and convert the school located at 5151 New St, into a community centre. The total cost is coming in at $4 million less than initially anticipated.

The firm of Norlon Builders London Ltd. will be carrying out the work with their bid of $51,734,188 which combined with other expenditures brings the total for the project to $57.9 million. City officials had originally set aside $61.9 million for the job.

Work will include extensive interior demolition at the site and renovations that include upgrades to operational systems, extensive redesigns including the main entranceway, changes to the parking area and a new central staircase, among other changes.

The renovations will accommodate such tenants at Brock University, the Halton District School Board, a public library, space for various City-operated initiatives, as well as community and recreation space such as a large gymnasium and a pool.

“Upon completion of the construction work, the facility will draw in visitors and will bring together the community and other partner tenants within one space, capturing synergies between each group,” a report presented to councillors excitedly reads.

Construction is expected to begin later this year with substantial completion expected by June 2025.

“This is definitely good news to see something under budget in this climate,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

The City of Burlington purchased the site from the Halton District School Board last fall for what amounted to $7.9 million after a complicated series of moves that included a land swap with the board.