Plan for Branson convention center heads to lakefront

After learning that Branson's convention center project might not be eligible for state financing based on its location, city officials have moved it back to lakefront property.

The Branson Board of Aldermen decided Oct. 11 that construction of the convention center will be tied in with the planned Branson Landing project.

According to a city of Branson press release, the board's unanimous vote came after the Missouri Department of Economic Development expressed concerns that a convention center site in Branson Hills would not meet all criteria for a state tax increment financing district.

In addition, a large segment of the business community, including Silver Dollar City, has expressed support for the convention center downtown, the release stated.

Tax increment financing

The TIF district, which the state approved earlier this year, is needed to fund the project.

A formal application must still be approved by the Department of Economic Development.

If approved, it would allow the city to capture up to half of the new state sales tax generated when the development is complete.

The project will be completed without new or increased taxes, the release said, because the additional tax revenue generated by the waterfront development will pay for the bonds that will finance the project.

Developer chosen

In August the board selected HCW Development of Branson as the primary developer for the waterfront and convention center project from a field of six developers from around the world.

City officials and HCW are negotiating the development contract and its final costs. A decision is expected in three months.

Project details

The Taneycomo lakefront portion of the project as proposed includes a public square with amphitheater, a boardwalk over the lake, a central water feature, an aquarium, retail shops, restaurants, a major outdoor sporting goods store and two hotels.

The city will fund the convention center and parking, the boardwalk, town square and road improvements. The city already owns the land.

City staff is conducting a feasibility study for the convention center's lakefront location to determine its size and economic viability, as well as other critical aspects of the development.