Construction is well underway on a new $28-million regional multipurpose centre in Hampton, according to the town’s mayor.
The facility, which is located on William Bell Drive, will include an NHL-sized ice surface with seating for more than 500 people.
Visitors will also have access to a spacious lounge, a community room and an outdoor patio with scenic views.
Mayor Robert Doucet said there will also be a three-lane walking track that is available for year-round use.
“The walking track, I hear more about that than anything, and it’s wonderful,” Doucet told our newsroom. “People are excited to have that just for the health of people in Hampton and the area.”
The facility will also be integrated into the town’s emergency response plan and serve as a reception centre during emergencies.
Doucet said the project, which has been in the works for over a decade, is a testament to the community’s strength and shared commitment to a vibrant, healthy future.
Like many projects across the country, Doucet said inflation has impacted the centre’s cost, which was initially pegged at around $15 million.
“We actually approached the federal and the provincial government to help us out there, and they did give us a little more money,” he said.
The federal government has committed $8.3 million while the provincial government is contributing $6 million.
Hampton has allocated $10 million and is hoping to raise the remaining $4 million through a fundraising campaign.
Doucet said the project is currently ahead of schedule and they hope to have the new building open in the fall of 2025.
The town plans to turn the existing Hampton Community Centre into an indoor field house once the new multipurpose centre is open.
“Our older rink has done its time, and we’ve been band-aiding that for quite a few years. This was kind of like the dream to have one of these facilities,” said Doucet.
