The City of Cambridge has announced that it has awarded the construction contract for the new Cambridge Recreation Complex to Melloul-Blamey Construction.

The award ends the city’s six-month search for a contractor. In March, it invited firms to bid on the expansive project.

The city received five submissions that it then shortlisted to three, with two submitting bids.

The construction budget of the Recreation Complex was estimated to be $90,050,950. Melloul Blamey Construction submitted the lowest bid, at $93,150,000 and Council approved additional funding of $3,233,600 to meet the three percent difference in budget, as well as contingencies and soft costs.

“Having a respected builder from Waterloo Region helps create jobs here in our community and again demonstrates that we have an expert labour pool with industry leaders operating locally,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett. “Residents will soon be able to swim, learn and play in this beautiful modern campus they were part of creating. It will quickly become a place where people connect from across Cambridge and beyond.”

The project will include: a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and warm water leisure pool,  three FIBA-sized basketball courts, a running/walking track and fitness area, multi-purpose rooms, a Cambridge Public Library branch, and park amenities.

The complex will be part of a joint use campus that will include a new Catholic and public school, and daycare.

It will be built on 32.5 acres of City owned land in the neighbourhood of Dundas Street South and Branchton Road.

Construction is expected to start in October.