Major developers line up to support $152 million Sports and Entertainment Centre

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Major companies including a hotel and convention centre developer have voiced their support for the $152 million sports and entertainment centre.

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Darko Vranich, CEO of Vrancor Group, wrote a letter of support for the project to Brantford city council.

The SEC’s project represents a major economic driver for Brantford by creating both short term and permanent jobs, Vranich said in his letter.

“In addition, the recent signing of a 15-year lease agreement with the new Bulldogs’ owners, provide a long-term commitment ensuring the SEC will serve as a stable foundation for a pipeline of downtown redevelopment projects,” Vranich said.

Vranich is the owner of Colborne Point, which is adjacent to the city downtown parking garage opposite Elements Casino. Vrancor has plans to build a hotel and convention centre on the property.

“With construction of the SEC planned to begin in 2026 and completion by early 2028, the timing aligns with the development schedule for Colborne Point,” Vranich said in his letter.

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City council also received support letters from Sam Sakhi, president of Elite Developments.

“We believe this project will serve as a strong anchor for economic growth, increase foot traffic and local engagement, and lay an even stronger foundation for future residential and mixed-use development,” Sakhi said. “Our Station Sixty project, located within the lower downtown corridor, was designed with the city’s long-term vision in mind.

“A vibrant and well-programmed civic anchor like the SEC will only elevate the area’s appeal for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Station Sixty is a new 350-unit condominium development being built at 60 Market St. S. directly across from the site of the future sports and entertainment centre.

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Khalid Mehmood, president of Lakeview Development Holdings Inc. said, in a letter of support, that the SEC represents a transformative opportunity for Brantford.

“Beyond its immediate benefits as a venue for sports, entertainment and community events, the centre will serve as a major catalyst for economic development, local business activity and neighbourhood revitalization,” Mehmood said. “For our development specifically, the centre will play a significant role in shaping a complete pedestrian-friendly district where residents can enjoy high-quality amenities.”

Lakewood is the developer of a 1,000-unit residential community across from the SEC location at 79 Market St. S.

Paul Rossetto, speaking on behalf of Canadian Property Group, also praised the project. The company owns 22/50 Market St. S and 79 Icomm Drive.

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“We’re pleased to see that the face, entrance and plaza to the new sport and entertainment centre (SEC) will be up front and directly on Market Street,” Rossetto said. “In our development we consider Market St as an important element in creating a vibrant new lower downtown.

“With the longest frontage on Market St. of any property we intend to make it a key element of our development for pedestrian traffic including a multitude of storefront/niche retail, restaurants, galleries.”

Canadian Property Group is the company behind a massive redevelopment of the FreschCo plaza on Market Street South, which is also across from the sports and entertainment centre location.

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