On Monday, October 4, Macon-Bibb County issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for qualified Design-Build teams interested in providing professional design and constructions services for the new amphitheater planned for the Macon Mall.
“This area of our community is too important to the region for us to wait to take steps that will begin its revitalizations, and the amphitheater is a cornerstone of those plans. It is the most expansive part of our plan that will bring the most people here and have the greatest impact,” says Mayor Lester Miller.
The amphitheater is being planned to seat approximately 10,000 people and will be an integral part of revitalization plans for the area announced on September 8 that would include using the Mall for its current retail stores, bringing in more retail, attracting new restaurants into and around the Mall, government offices, and new sporting and entertainment activities, including the possibility of a large indoor pickleball center. To make these plans possible, Hull Property Group is donating the Macon Mall to Macon-Bibb County. To read about the announcement, click here.
“People will come here from all over the county and region for services, shopping, restaurants, recreation, and, with this amphitheater, entertainment,” adds Mayor Miller. “The response we’ve gotten from announcing this plan has shown that people see a need for a focused effort in this area and are excited about what’s in store.”
“This is just another jewel in the crown of tourism and promotion that we have in Macon-Bibb,” said Visit Macon CEO & President Gary Wheat. “We now have something that visitors crave, which is the outdoor live music scene.”
“This huge revitalization project, and resulting business growth, will help the area thrive and bring individuals to the district who might not otherwise patronize this part of Macon-Bibb on a regular basis,” said American Pride Bank President & CEO John Hall. “This will enhance the growth of new businesses and retention of existing businesses, and it will create excitement in the community as we draw on the music heritage we have here in Macon-Bibb.”
Once completed, a company would be hired to manage the amphitheater, one that has the expertise in the entertainment industry to create a great experience for people and can ensure the acts being booked would draw people from the entire region.
Responses to the RFQ are to be delivered to the Procurement Department in City Hall (700 Poplar Street) by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021. No late responses will be considered.