Bedford holding City Hall on the Performing Arts Center project.
Architects’ renderings show a proposed performing arts center in Bedford.
Town of Bedford
Bedford officials are moving forward with proposals to build a performing arts center that could include a theater, convention space and spaces for outdoor events.
Residents can weigh in on what they want to see included in the plans during a town hall at 18 hours. Thursday at Bedford City Hall, 2000 Forest Ridge Drive.
“Bedford officials are trying to create a special place for the community that will be the site of many special events and memories for people of all ages. This is our chance to get it right and maximize this opportunity, with feedback from residents,” City Manager Jimmy Stathatos said in an email.
Plans for a performing arts center date back to a $70 million bond package in 2017 to renovate the former Boys Ranch Park, which has been renamed Generations Park.
Residents insisted that the bond include funding for the performing arts.
The city council has earmarked $5.5 million for the arts, and Bedford is exploring funding opportunities for the remaining costs.
The architectural firm, Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, submitted three proposals ranging from $8.4 million to $10 million.
Some ideas include a multi-purpose center, a black box theater, outdoor gathering spaces, and a conference center.
The multipurpose center could host musical performances, ranging from a large ensemble to a children’s piano recital, depending on the proposals.
The black box theater could accommodate up to 99 people and the conference center would have several rooms for events.
Ideas for outdoor space include pathway extensions, outdoor play areas, public art and water features.