Montréal Concert Hall

operational

Opportunity For some time the Government of Quebec had been interested in providing a new and permanent home for the internationally renowned Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (OSM). The Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, a multi-purpose performance arts space where the OSM’s concerts were being held, was not meeting acoustic needs. After a lengthy business case and analysis from Infrastructure Québec it was concluded that the P3 model would be the most efficient and effective way of completing the project on-time and on-budget while at the same time transferring all financial and construction risk to a private partner. The new concert hall is located within the Place des Arts, a cultural complex in the Quartier des spectacles, Montreal’s entertainment district. In accordance with its land use plans, the City of Montreal intends to revitalize the entertainment district, raising its profile as a cultural destination, with L’adressse symphonique serving as the district’s centerpiece. Challenges Due to the OSM’s extreme acoustic needs it was necessary to hire Cima Plus, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm, prior to the bidding process. Cima Plus helped create the proper specifications that were eventually communicated to potential bidders, thereby attracting the proper talent for the project. Innovations The Project Agreement contains contractual clauses that promoted on-time and on-budget delivery. Monthly payments over the life of the contract are subject to deductions if the private partner’s actions compromise the availability of the concert hall. SNC-Lavalin incorporated a number of unique solutions during design and construction to eliminate vibrations and ensure soundproofing in order to meet the OSM’s acoustic quality requirements. Using a P3 allowed GIO to make key decisions without being affected by the financial constraints sometimes imposed by government. Results The new 1,900-seat concert hall was completed on-time and on-budget. Using a P3 resulted in a seven month reduction in construction and commissioning time compared with traditional procurement. The concert hall can accommodate up to 200 choristers and 120 musicians. The concert hall has three distinct spaces: the main foyer for public events, the auditorium for musical performances, and the backstage area for performers. The transparency of public spaces contrasts with the sealed box created by the auditorium envelope—which cuts off all contact with the outside world— and has earned the building an N-1 noise reduction rating. The hall was designed with state-of-the-art acoustic elements by New York based acousticians Artec Consultants. All stage equipment in the facility is managed to operate in total silence and have no impact to the ideal performing and listening conditions. Approximately 350 new construction jobs were created by the project as well as 30 full-time equivalent positions upon completion. Learn more at: CCPPP Case Studies

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