COATESVILLE — Plans to bring a mixed-use commercial and entertainment development project to the city have taken another step forward.
Coatesville has completed the sale of a 24-acre parcel of land known as the Flats to IDG Development, which plans to build the National Sports & Events Center, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena and special-events center featuring a world-class velodrome. The sale was completed on Oct. 31.
“The intention of the National Sports & Events project is to create real generational impact that will change lives,” Crosby Wood, project manager and IDG principal, said in a statement, adding that the venue will serve as an anchor that supports development and revitalization in Coatesville. “In addition to attracting world-class sports and entertainment, our plans include a strong focus on youth initiatives and school programs that foster character development, fitness, and sports participation.”
Completion of the project is expected to have an economic development ripple effect for Coatesville — through the creation of new jobs, small business openings, youth engagement opportunities, tourism, increased foot traffic, and new tax revenue for future improvement projects, according to Coatesville City Manager James Logan.
“The sale of the Flats and the construction of the National Sports & Events Center represents a major step for Coatesville’s future growth and addresses the region’s need for a multi-purpose facility that seats up to 3,000 people,” Logan said in a statement. “The project represents a significant piece of the city’s planning efforts to attract new development opportunities in the area.
“For the last six years, we have worked with investors, local and state officials, and City Council to re-establish Coatesville as one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the region. The project signals to investors, developers, and stakeholders that Coatesville can share the stage with other county success stories.”
When it’s completed, the sports/events center will feature the East Coast’s first world-class indoor velodrome and just the second one in the United States. It will replicate the renowned World Cycling Center Velodrome in Aigle, Switzerland, according to a press release.
David Chauner, IDG principal and CEO of World Cycling LTD, said the facility will address the rapid growth of cycling, which he said is an “underserved Olympic sport that has become one of the most popular participation sports in the United States.”
“In addition to hosting regional, national and international cycling competitions, the velodrome will be a year-round center for youth development programs, amateur club and interscholastic racing and serve as the U.S. headquarters for the TeamTrak Cycling League,” he said in a statement.
Track cycling represents 60% of the available cycling medals at the Olympic Games, but access to velodromes across America is scarce, according to Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling.
“The National Sports & Events Center will enhance USA Cycling’s effort to develop the gold medalists of tomorrow, and will doubtlessly do wonders in introducing the sport of bicycle racing to youth in the community and across the East Coast,” Quirk said in a statement.
The project was first announced in 2020. Progress was slowed due to COVID, followed by a 15-month due-diligence period, and gaining title clearance, Woods said in an emailed response to questions. Following that period, the focus was on financing the infrastructure and securing land development approval.
The deal was financed through public and private funds through state and local development resources and led by the Chester County Economic Development Council. Private equity, philanthropic investors from the national and regional cycling and sports community, as well as a $3.6 million state grant and a $5.4 million loan, helped fund the project.
The project includes an approximately 100,000-square-foot arena with 3,000 permanent seats, as well as a 20,000-square-foot infield that will be used to host a variety of sports, tennis matches, concerts, expos, and collegiate events.
In addition, the facility’s north side will open to festival grounds that can accommodate outdoor concerts and special events and will include an athlete performance center and retail space.
The next steps for the project, according to Woods — pursuing land-development approval from the city and Valley Township by the end of this year. Groundbreaking for the facility is anticipated in 2025 with a projected completion date prior to the 2028 Olympics.
Once completed, the venue will host events, entertainment, sports and family activities, in addition to cycling.
“The city, RDA, and the buyers have been working diligently to bring this deal to fruition for several years. I am hopeful the project will become a centerpiece for redevelopment and economic revitalization in the City of Coatesville, attracting visitors, and giving residents an opportunity to have a first-class venue in the heart of downtown,” Joe DiSciullo, Coatesville Redevelopment Authority chairman, said in a statement.
According to Fran Scamuffa, Coatesville City Council member representing the First Ward, where the project is located, the NSEC will create a positive economic impact for the city, attracting businesses and creating job opportunities.
“The beauty of our community is that we are one big family, all connected and all looking forward to seeing a project like this unfold,” Scamuffa said in a statement.
The Flats is located at 115 West Lincoln Highway, which is at the northwest corner of Lincoln Highway and First Avenue in Coatesville. The parcel was previously home to the G.O. Carlson Steel Co. plant.
Source: Berkshire mont
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