Cédric Pelletier
Conseiller en communications stratégiques
News Release
Published on May 25, 2017
The National Capital Commission is pleased to announce the finalists in the international design competition for the redevelopment of Nepean Point, an historic and picturesque public space, and one of the Capital’s most iconic and spectacular lookouts.
The finalists are as follows:
- Ryan (PUBLIC WORK, KPMB Architects, Blackwell)
- Rosenberg (Janet Rosenberg & Studio, Patkau Architects, Blackwell, ERA Architects)
- Asselin (WAA Landscape Architecture, Tectoo Architecture, Milan Ingegneria)
- Geuze (West 8, Barry Padolsky Ass., Fotenn)
A jury of five experts reviewed 26 submissions and selected the finalists on the basis of their qualifications and previous work. Each team will now prepare a proposal that includes the following:
- an overall design concept
- a development plan for the entire site
- a detailed design for Nepean Point
- a design of a pedestrian bridge linking Major’s Hill Park and Nepean Point
- a gathering place for events and programming
- various other facilities
The deadline for the submission of final proposals is September 20, 2017.
The NCC will host a public exhibition and open house of the finalists’ designs on October 5, 2017. The goal is to announce a winning design team in November 2017, as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The first phase of construction is planned for 2019-2020.
The redevelopment of Nepean Point is one of 17 milestone projects in the NCC’s Plan for Canada’s Capital, 2017-2067.
This once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine an iconic public space in the Capital will leave a legacy for Canada’s sesquicentennial. Four finalists will develop bold and imaginative designs for Nepean Point to recreate it as an inviting landmark for Canadians to enjoy.
Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer, NCC
QUICK FACTS
The site and its features
- The competition site occupies an area of about 2.5 hectares, bound on the north and west by the Ottawa River, on the east by the National Gallery of Canada and Mackenzie Avenue, and on the south by St. Patrick Street.
- The majestic statue of Samuel de Champlain, who explored the Ottawa River in 1613, will remain a feature of the site.
- The Astrolabe Theatre structure, which is the current centre of the site, was inaugurated in 1967.
Public engagement
- The NCC consulted the public, community stakeholders and interest groups on the future of Nepean Point. A public exhibition of the finalists’ designs will be held on October 5, 2017.
- This design competition follows the June 2014 planning workshop where participants highlighted a vision for the site, themes, objectives and guiding principles toward building a prominent destination that residents and visitors can enjoy.