After years on the drawing board, plans for new park space near city hall are ready to move forward.

The Somba K'e Civic Plaza was given new life Monday at a city hall committee meeting, where designer Kayhan Nadji gave councillors the first glimpse of the finished plans.

Kayhan Nadji of Nadji Architects presents his company's design for a new civic plaza beside city hall. Phase 1 of the $2 million project is slated for completion this year. Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

"It's based on an open concept," he said, pointing out the organic, non-linear nature of the design.

The $2 million "massive plan" includes an open air amphitheatre, change rooms, Zamboni hut, areas for public art, public green space and a monument dedicated to the Gerry Murphy Arena.

Nadji said many design concepts came from public meetings and consultations.

"It's a very sensitive site," he said.

The plaza is to be located on the southwest side of city hall, over the previous site of the Gerry Murphy Arena. The site has lain dormant since the arena was demolished in 2004, three years after it was condemned.

The design also includes a very preliminary layout for a 25,000 sq. ft. library. Conservative estimates have construction on the new library beginning around 2012.

Nearly every member of council had questions and concerns about the new development, though they were generally pleased with its design.

"I always thought our city hall grounds were beautiful, but this is amazing," said Coun. Lydia Bardak.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem and several councillors asked questions about access to Frame Lake for Caribou Carnival, and apparent plans to move Fireweed Studio, the heritage cabin run by the Yellowknife Guild of Arts and Crafts.

"It's one of the few heritage sites in Yellowknife," said Coun. Mark Heyck.

While Nadji said the plan to move Fireweed to 53 Street from 49 Avenue would "bring (Fireweed) into the design," public works manager Dennis Kefalas was quick to reassure members of the guild.

"We're not going to force them to move if they don't want (Fireweed) moved," he said.

Construction of the plaza is separated into three phases. Phase one, including the amphitheatre, change rooms, zamboni hut and new parking lot northeast of city hall is slated to wrap up this year. Phase two and three are expected to be finished in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

"They have already started," Nadji said of work on the phase one parking lots.

According to the city's 2007 budget update, $935,000 will be allocated to the project this year, $831,000 in 2008 and $310,000 in 2009. This does not include projected operational and maintenance funding requirements of $48,000 in 2008 and $10,000 in 2009.

Van Tighem said he arranged this presentation to bring councillors up to speed on the current project.

"The city centre plaza has always been evolving over a period of time," he said. "It's a matter of ensuring everybody knows where it's gotten to."

Last year, $2 million was diverted toward the project when long-standing plans for a fieldhouse were sent back to the drawing board. Council balked at funding the facility -- which was intended to help house the 2008 Arctic Winter Games -- when its total price tag ballooned to $20 million.