The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is moving forward to continue discussions about a multipurpose center — but now they will do so with a project manager.

The center is expected to be approximately 89,000 square feet, hold a maximum capacity of 2,500 for large events, and cost anywhere from $75 million to $80 million.

The county would like construction to start by the end of 2023 with a planned opening by 2025 — preferably on Oct. 1.

The Board of Commissioners will now start the negotiation process with MBP Carolinas, Inc. Once there is a drafted contract, it will be presented to the Board for review and approval.
MBP Carolinas, Inc. will be in charge of the site selection, assist with securing a contractor, architect and various sub-contractors, manage project accounting and coordinate the procurement of owner furnished equipment and materials.

The location for the center is undecided; however, it will be in Fayetteville. The county hopes the center will host various events, including concerts, comedy shows, family shows, theater, Broadway performances and other local and regional performances.

Commissioner Michael Boose was the only one who voted against the approval, saying that he would rather see a couple of consensus contracts as he and other commissioners have not overseen the building of a performing arts center before. He does not want to be taken advantage of by one company.