Si Miller Arena site to be put up for sale 'as is'

City council has agreed to try and sell the Si Miller Arena site "as is."

PHOTO CREDIT - QMJHL Arena Guide

Cornwall - Feb. 28, 2011 - For sale - a vintage downtown arena with seating for a few thousand.

That is the scenario facing the aged Si Miller Arena after city council approved a staff recommendation on Monday to offer the building up for sale "as is," subject to time and demolition conditions to secure the city's interests.

At the same time, city staff will continue to develop a standard demolition tender while the sale offer is being issued and the responses - if any - are considered.

Planning, parks and recreation manager Stephen Alexander told council the sale package for the property will likely be issued by mid-March, and it will contain a short offer period in order to accelerate activity on the site.

Council's decision represents the first step in the eventual redevelopment of the Si Miller property, which includes parking areas to the west and north of the arena as well as the vacant Glen Theatre building behind the arena.

There are also a few neighbouring properties that are vacant, including an old warehouse and the old curling club on Amelia Street and the old radio station office to the east of the arena.

A newly-completed development study report for the Si Miller Arena property outlines a variety of potential redevelopment scenarios for the site. The scenarios suggest the property could contain a mix of multi-residential buildings (such as condos or a retirement home) as well as a mixed-use building containing commercial and office space along with residential units.

The staff report on the Si Miller Arena can be seen by clicking here , while the development study for the property can be found here.

The Si Miller and Bob Turner arenas are being replaced by the new Benson Centre, which is currently being built on Seventh Street West.