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The Gensler Architectural & Design Firm is set to win the contract to design an expansion of BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, ahead of the stadium hosting FIFA World Cup games in 2026.
According to minutes released by the City of Toronto, a non-competitive contract is set to be finalised with Gensler to design the expansion – which will comprise an additional 17,756 seats – in order to expedite the process. The project will increase the capacity of BMO Field to 45,736 and cost $4.2m.
“A non-competitive contract is necessary to immediately proceed with the capital project at BMO Field in order to meet the specific FWC26 Toronto event timelines as set by FIFA,” the City of Toronto’s executive committee stated.
A statement added: “To ensure efficiencies, staff are seeking authorisation to award and enter into a non-competitive contract with Gensler for the FWC26 Toronto capital project at BMO Field.”
According to the city’s background report, Gensler will be working under the direction of CAA ICON, previously approved by the City Council as the project manager for the BMO Field expansion.
CAA ICON and Gensler have worked together before on renovations that took place at BMO Field in 2015.
“Their combined experience and expertise as the primary project team for previous BMO Field renovations will bring benefits to the project in cost savings and time,” the report added.
The background report also highlighted the timeline for the stadium project, with design development earmarked for between July and September this year. Construction documentation and permits are due to be secured between October this year and February 2024.
Canada will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.
BMO Field was named as one of two Canadian host venues for the tournament just over a year ago.
Image: Abazz/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
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