Rendering of the “The Gathering at South Forsyth,” a proposed “world-class entertainment hub for North Georgia” at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road.
„ Per the release, on Tuesday, April 25, the project’s development team will file a request for an overlay district that “includes 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 750,000-square-foot arena, a 100,000-square-foot community center, a 7,500-square-foot fire station, 450 hotel rooms with meeting spaces and residential units to help support the project.”
On the same day, officials will discuss the project at a work session for the Board of Commissioners starting at 2 p.m. A public engagement listening session will be held in May.
“It will be a bigger footprint than The Battery, which the Battery has a lot of great places to eat before, after and during entertainment,” he said of the proposed dining options. “We anticipate having the same, if not more than that.”
He said the project also compares to projects in surrounding counties, including Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Fulton County and Gas South Arena in Gwinnett County.
“If we can have a place for our residents to go spend their money to go to concerts here, in an indoor setting, inside, instead of Ameris Bank, where they’re outside, we should be able to compete,” Warner said. “From a footprint standpoint and a seat standpoint, we’re going to be about 7,000 seats bigger than Gas South arena in Gwinnett.”
While many have speculated that the arena could be home to a sports team, with rumors that the arena could be used for a National Hockey League team, Warner said nothing has been settled and “with or without any sports affiliation, this project should do good things.”
“The arena will be built out to the size and specs that could court one of these projects, but as of right now, I’m not aware [of a team moving,]” Warner said.
Warner said one aspect of the project he was excited to see was a plan for more office uses, which he said would hopefully mean more residents working in the county.
“Then, there will also be an office tower, which I am the most excited about. We’re just trying to retain our talent in Forsyth, especially south Forsyth. If they can come to an office tower in our county instead of just across the county line, it will be a win for us.”
Warner said the project will be about a three-year buildout once construction begins.
For more information on the project, go to https://thegatheringatsouthforsyth.com/