North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Charlotte City Council has approved ‘The Complex’, a development that will feature sports and entertainment elements from two finalist proposals presented earlier this year, along with up to $30 million to reimburse expenses related to the project.
The project came together when developers of the two finalist proposals, QC East @ Eastland Yards and Eastland Yards Indoor Sports Complex, created a single proposal with elements from each plan. The developer teams and city staff were given 45 days to develop a new proposal to present to the council.
The new proposal includes:
- A 120,000-sq. ft. indoor sports facility with multipurpose courts that can be converted to 10 basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, 30 pickleball courts, and more.
- Space for concessions, bar, and restaurants.
- Fitness center for sports league participants and community use.
- Ice rink for league/competitive and community use.
- Leasable space for medical and physical therapy use.
- Spaces for STEM education, eSports, and a community learning center.
- Outdoor athletic fields and Charlotte Soccer Academy, including six multi-sport artificial turf fields for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, field hockey, and more.
- 6,000 to 12,000 square foot food and beverage area.
The community, STEM education, eSports Center, and sports facilities will be open to the public on non-even event dates.
“[Eastland] was a gathering place that was an economic engine for the east side,” said Economic Development Director Tracy Dodson. “And it will undoubtedly become a gathering place for the east side community, but also a catalyst to attract others and celebrate what makes this part of our city so special: its diversity.”
The Complex is expected to generate $169 million annually and create more than 500 jobs. The project is estimated to cost between $90 and $100 million, with construction expected to last for up to 38 months.