Preston Memorial Aud re-opens with multi-million dollar upgrades, finishing touches still underway

CTV’s Spencer Turcotte has a first look at multi-mullion dollar upgrades to a community fixture in Cambridge.

A community fixture in Cambridge has re-opened following an extensive facelift.

At first glance, the building is unrecognizable but the big bold letters out front give away its identity – Preston Memorial Auditorium.

In 2023, the Preston Aud was in need of significant upgrades.

“The old building was built in the early 1970s when accessibility wasn’t really as top of mind,” said Shane Taylor, manager of recreation for the City of Cambridge.

That was only one area in need of a makeover, so council approved the renovations.

“Back in 2023, we closed down the building after the season was finished,” said Taylor. “We went to council with a report requesting approval for a project construction budget of $33 million … we’re still spending money, but we’re going to land on, or under, that $33 million.”

Fast forward, and the doors are open again. The official grand opening is postponed as workers fine tune the latest additions.

The newly-built second rink will have some cool features for spectators – like countertops for drinks.

“To be able to stand here with your Timmy’s coffee and just bang on the glass – not too hard,” Taylor said, jokingly.

In addition to making both rinks accessible from the ground level, the entire building itself has grown significantly.

Many more changerooms were added because the arena only had six of them before the renovations.

“There are 12 team change rooms, there are three referee rooms. There’s an additional change room for the Preston Rivulettes Hockey Club that is dedicated to them. So you’re looking at 16 change rooms,” said Taylor.

The added space puts the Preston Aud in a better position to host tournaments – whether that’s for hockey, lacrosse or figure skating.

“We’re going to have this open for community skates as well,” Taylor said.

That will happen in a phased approach. The focus right now is on practices and games, which have already begun.

Staff are also honouring the Preston Aud’s past with a plaque that hangs near the entrance.

“This building was dedicated to the glorious memory of the men of Preston who gave their lives in World War One, World War Two and the Korean War,” said Taylor.

At the same, everyone involved in bringing the revamped building to life is looking forward to marking the beginning of the Preston Aud’s new chapter.