CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There's a new development proposal on the table for the Eastland Yards, the former Eastland Mall site.
It could bring an entertainment venue, athletic fields, and an Esports site. It's named QC East, would involve Charlotte Soccer Academy, Southern Entertainment, and Carolina Esports Hub.
Charlotte Soccer Academy, will provide the development expertise, and operational experience for all aspects of the scheduling and management for the athletic fields and facilities.
Southern Entertainment will co-lead the development of the project and provide programming, production and operational services related to Cultural Arts, Entertainment and Events.
The Carolina Esports Hub and Stay Plugged In, in addition to a co-development role will focus on the establishment, programming and operations of the Esports and Tech Hub. The Esports and Tech Hub will offer STEM related educational opportunities for youth and adults, in addition to other esports events, competitions and entertainment programming.
Developers said the multipurpose facility would benefit the community physically, culturally and educationally through youth sports, entertainment, special events, E-sports and technology.
"We are thrilled to have such an accomplished team of partners on board for the potential development of QC East," said Bob Durkin, from South Entertainment. "Our combined knowledge in various areas of entertainment, sports and technology will be invaluable in creating a dynamic and inclusive space that serves the needs of the local and regional community if given the opportunity."
The new development would be on the approximately 20 acres of land, which became available after Tepper Sports & Entertainment announced it would no longer build a facility for Charlotte FC on the grounds.
CharlotteEAST, a nonprofit advocacy board, expressed concerns about the new proposal.
“There's a possibility of music festivals coming, not just concerts, Greg Asciutto, the chair of CharlotteEAST board of directors, said. "Can it accommodate the traffic that will come with it? How will it affect those neighbors in the surrounding neighborhoods?"
Three different groups have expressed interest in the site, which once housed Eastland Mall, but the city decided to extend its deadline for additional bids for about two more months.
CharlotteEAST, a nonprofit advocacy board, expressed concerns about the time the process is taking.
“We have been fighting for two decades now, for a project, or for an entity that will bring economic development to our corridor,” Greg Asciutto, the chair of CharlotteEAST board of directors, said.
In March, Charlotte City Council’s economic development committee heard about three different projects: The Eastland Aquatic Center, a Racquet Sports Entertainment District, and a Target store.
“Like many in our community I have been frustrated by the Eastland Mall situation for the last decade, and while I am very appreciative of the efforts by the bidding teams, I was very concerned after the last round that we didn’t have a viable solution,” said Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari. “So when the Council decided to extend the bidding process for an additional 60 days, I immediately jumped into action to see if I could find the best concepts, with the most proven track records of raising capital and executing on big visions, and piece together a bid that could not just be a winner, but also jump start the engine of an entire part of town while addressing the biggest desires of the residents who live there.”
I am a minority investor and will not participate in Council deliberations.
The development has the potential to provide over $111 million in annual economic impact, $34 million in labor income, and $5.8 million+ in annual city and county tax collections.
All options would require more money to be raised, with some of that money coming from the city and taxpayers.
Lexi Wilson: Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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