City Seeking Interest in Cultural Hub Space

The City of Greater Sudbury will be looking to engage community organizations interested in renting space in the Cultural Hub and Tom Davies Square complex, and anticipates launching a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) later this year. This will be Phase 1 of a two-phased approach aimed at generating a short list of potential organizations wanting to contribute to a more vibrant and connected city.

Information on the RFEOI will be shared in the coming months. The Cultural Hub design is now underway, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025, and last approximately 18 months. During this period, staff will continue to identify spaces within the Tom Davies Square complex that could potentially house community organizations with service offerings that align with the principles of the Cultural Hub.  The size, location and use of these spaces are still to be determined, as are the value and rental rates associated with them. It is anticipated these spaces would be available following the completion of the Cultural Hub construction and commencement of operations in late 2027. The spaces are expected to be move-in ready by 2028.

Once the RFEOI is launched, applicants will be assessed on factors such as how their services align with the Cultural Hub’s mandate and vision, their organizational and financial health, community outreach and sustainability of operations. The City will then establish an internal team to evaluate submissions and finalize a short list of applicants. The short-listed organizations will be invited to participate in Phase 2 of the process where they will be involved in discussions to determine the viability of operational space within the Hub.

The Cultural Hub will serve as a community anchor, fostering local business and tourism. Project partners have developed seven key principles for this project, including:

• Third Space: A space you don’t seek out intentionally or need a reason to be in. A space that allows for the process of discovery while you’re there.
• Welcome in Every Language: Safe and welcoming. Newcomers can get the services they need.
• Open to All: No closed doors, eliminate barriers.
• Useful/Useable/Desirable: Optimize the patron’s experience. Create opportunity.
• A Beacon: Signifying the Cultural Hub as a destination.
• Civic Space: A whole civic place, bringing space for people, signaling the maturity of a city.
• Protected Space: Climate controlled programmed space.

More information on the RFEOI launch will be shared later this spring.