François Legault committed in June 2022 to carrying out the Maison de la chanson et de la musique project in the former Saint-Sulpice library in the Latin Quarter. The thing is now confirmed: a decree was signed and published in the Official Gazette on December 27.
The government will inject $48 million into the transformation of this heritage site, located at 1700, rue Saint-Denis, which has been unoccupied since 2005. The rest of the financing will be provided by the City of Montreal and the sale to Hydro-Québec of land belonging to the National Library and Archives of Quebec.
Spaces for creating and practicing music, but also places for hosting artist residencies, school workshops, master classes, meetings and exchanges of ideas will be set up.
The documents containing the functional and technical plan and the cost assessment were submitted to the government last September. “The renovation work should begin within 12 to 15 months, once the plans and specifications are completed,” he told The Press Monique Giroux, instigator of this project placed under the kindness of Luc Plamondon.
The Maison de la chanson et de la musique project is developed in partnership with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationaux du Québec. BAnQ’s collections and funds linked to song and music can thus be highlighted.
Operating costs are expected to be approximately $7 million per year.