A cultural centre at the heart of Beaconsfield
A reimagined landscape: where nature, culture, and community come together
What if a cultural centre could breathe with its park?
The winning concept of the architecture competition, developed by the Quebec-based firm Lemay, transforms Centennial Park and the adjacent property into a vibrant, human-centred destination, imagined with and for the people of Beaconsfield
Located on the marina property next to the enlarged waterfront park, between Lake Saint-Louis, the marina, and the woods, the future Cultural Centre is envisioned as a natural meeting point where culture, nature and community seamlessly converge. It’s more than a building: it’s a gathering place, an extension of the landscape, a space to recharge, create and dream, together.
From the green rooftop lookout to the bistro terrace, from the pathways to the outdoor gathering areas, each space is designed to offer a sensory, inspiring and shared experience.
An architectural vision in harmony with the site
The building is seamlessly integrated into the site’s natural slope, on the former paved area of the Lord Reading Yacht Club and parking lot. It preserves mature trees, frames views of the lake, and celebrates the natural beauty of Centennial Park, while looking toward the future.
- A signature green rooftop with a panoramic viewpoint over the lake and park
- Timber structure and energy-efficient design
- Strategies to optimize natural light inside the building
By combining multiple sustainable development strategies, the Centre will contribute positively to its context, both environmentally and socially.
An immersive and welcoming arrival
From the moment visitors arrive, the building blends into the landscape. It feels as if it floats above the terrain, wrapped in greenery. This soft transition between mature trees, water, and architecture creates an immediate sense of calm and belonging.
Open, bright, and flexible spaces
-
At its heart, the Centre features a spacious, light-filled central hall connecting two outdoor plazas, one facing the forest, the other the water.
- A library with panoramic views of the lake and park
- A 150 to 200-seat multipurpose hall with adjacent kitchen, terrace, and modular stage
- Youth zones near outdoor play areas
- Community rooms, to welcome our local groups
- Five private study/work rooms for students, freelancers, and focused learning
- A creative and tech lab for intergenerational learning
- A welcoming bistro open to both park-goers and visitors
A year-round destination
The site is designed to evolve and inspire, with something for everyone in every season.
- Thematic walkways and rooftop panoramic lookout
- Outdoor performance areas and cultural events
- Art installations, concerts, weddings, family gatherings
- Sunlit spaces for reflection, play and community life
A vision rooted in community
The Lemay concept is directly inspired by public input and resident-led consultations. It reflects the voices of residents who dreamed of an accessible, inclusive, sustainable and vibrant gathering place, a shared space for the future of Beaconsfield.
Key project facts
- Location: Centennial Park and the adjacent Marina, Beaconsfield
- Surface area (Centre): 2 700 m²
- Full universal accessibility
- Scheduled opening: Summer 2028
- Architectural design by Lemay (architecture competition winner)
By the community, for the community
This future Cultural Centre is more than just a facility, it’s a collective project. It embodies Beaconsfield’s ambition to create a modern, welcoming and human-centred cultural and community hub.
