The consultants behind Thunder Bay's plan to build an arena and conference centre is recommending a downtown location near the city's revamped waterfront.

“The Downtown/Waterfront site is exceptional in terms of character and potential,” said Conrad Boychuk, senior director with CEI Architecture.

The report of the second phase of a feasibility study for the proposed Thunder Bay Event Centre is heading to city council this fall.

The projected cost is $106 million.

The consultants said the north end location offers the greatest benefits for the city and would “garner national attention” in building on the success of the Prince Arthur's Landing waterfront redevelopment.

The city's plan is for a 5,700-seat multi-purpose facility with an attached 50,000-square-foot conference centre with major meeting rooms and a banquet hall for up to 1,000.

The report recommends moving forward with an initial Report for Expressions of interest from the private sector in the project.