After years of discussion about the future of the Pensacola Bay Center, Escambia County commissioners say they’re ready to stop studying the project and start planning improvements.
During last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, commissioners signaled support for beginning the first phase of a long-planned redevelopment. County staff recommended a phased approach that begins with renovating the existing Bay Center while planning for future development around it. The estimated $74 million first phase includes exterior improvements, expanded premium seating, upgraded food service areas, parking lot repairs and other renovations designed to extend the life of the nearly 40-year-old facility.
Future phases could include a new event center, a parking garage or an ice rink, depending on what county leaders ultimately decide and what private partners are willing to help build…