Trent University and the City of Peterborough are pleased to announce plans to build a new arena complex on the East Bank of Trent’s Symons Campus, following a unanimous vote at last night’s meeting of the City Council.

The new arena development, which will be located at the intersection of Nassau Mills Road and Pioneer Road, will provide innovative sports and recreation opportunities and facilities, will complement the surrounding Trent Nature Areas and access to the Otonabee River, and will serve as an important step forward in the economic and social development of the north end of Peterborough.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen as the location for the new arena complex,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Trent is proud to host an important new recreational facility that will serve the citizens of our community. The sports synergies between Trent’s athletics department and now this new arena complex will further our desire to make life on campus an integral part of the life of Peterborough – and be a key part of the City’s success now and in the future.”

“A new twin-pad community arena in the city’s north end, next to Trent University, will improve access to sport-and-recreation opportunities in our community, benefiting the health and well-being of the city’s residents,” Mayor Daryl Bennett said. “We’re thrilled that Trent is supporting this project, which provides the land and potential for the development of a regional sports complex.”

The University will deed 22-24 acres of land to the City of Peterborough for the construction of the complex, which will fulfill the City’s need to replace the existing Northcrest Arena and will increase the amount of ice time available to the community.

Along with the transfer of land for the new arena complex at no cost to the City, Trent has committed to reserving an additional 23 acres for an initial term of 15 years to the City for future consideration and development.

The new arena complex marks the most recent project on which the City and Trent have partnered. Previous projects and buildings include the DNA and Life and Health Sciences Building, the Trent Athletics Centre, and the Trent Centre for Aging and Society.