VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The future of the old Dome site in Virginia Beach was up for discussion at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
The council vote on the development project is expected on November 19.
Virginia Beach city officials say they hope the project will increase tourism year-round.
Kicking off the public comments Tuesday night was Virginia Beach native and music superstar, Pharrell Williams.
Originally, this idea was the brainchild of Pharrell Williams, who wanted to build a surf park near the Oceanfront.
"The caveat for me in getting involved in any business down here was we needed to make sure that a portion of what we were doing was going back into the community in some way, shape, or form. Some percentage of the business we would generate in the dome site would go towards education," he said to city council.
Backing him were members of the Resort Advisory Committee, the Hotel Association, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and many more.
Developer Venture Realty Group wants to build a 3,500-person entertainment venue, including restaurants, apartments, and a surf park, between 18th and 20th Streets. The city estimates it will generate $8 million in revenue.
City council and the Virginia Beach Development Authority still need to approve the full development agreement.
The entire project is estimated to cost about $325 million, with $230 million coming from private investment and $95 million from the city's tourism investment fund.
From 2017: Pharrell wants to bring surf park to VB
If approved, this project will take place over two years during three phases. You can learn more about the project here.
