In anticipation of the upcoming redevelopment of the Edmonton Exhibition Lands, including the former Northlands Coliseum, the City has received 62 proposals from a range of developers, architects, and urban planners. While City staff evaluates the proposals ahead of a June 21 public consultation to be held at the Expo Centre, a proposal by Agora Borealis has already begun to turn heads for its innovative plans to adapt and reuse many of the existing structures in the area, including the recently shuttered Northlands Coliseum. 

NW view of the proposed reimagining of the Exhibition Lands, image via Agora Borealis

At the centre of Agora Borealis' proposal - one of only a few from among the 62 applicants to include adaptive reuse plans for the Coliseum - the former home of the Edmonton Oilers would be transformed into a "village" with space for 700 families. 

SW view of the former Coliseum, transformed into a residential complex, image via Agora Borealis

The product of a partnership of architects, engineers, and investors, Agora Borealis has put their collective strengths behind their proposal, opting to save and reuse the Coliseum rather than tear it down. With space for 500,000 square feet of residential living, along with a host of public uses, including a ground floor recreation area, the massive circular structure could one day become one of the most unique developments in the city.

Interior of the reimagined Coliseum, with pathways, water feature, seating, and skylights, image via Agora Borealis

While it is far too early to place any bets on which proposal will be chosen, and whether or not the Coliseum will survive the redevelopment process, it is nonetheless interesting to contemplate the potential yet to be discovered within the former Exhibition Lands. 

SkyriseEdmonton will be sure to return to this project as the story unfolds. In the meantime, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.