John Laing OSP consortium is preferred bidder for new Ontario Science Centre PPP

Ontario Science Partners (OSP) has been awarded the contract to deliver a spectacular new Ontario Science Centre as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) with Infrastructure Ontario (IO). The contract is for the design, build, finance, and 30-year maintenance (DBFM) for the Centre, and rehabilitation of the iconic Cinesphere and Pods at Ontario Place. Financial close was reached on February 11, 2026.

The OSP Consortium includes John Laing Group (“John Laing”) (64%), Sacyr Infrastructure Canada Inc (26%) and Amico Major Projects Inc (10%).  

At an event held today in Toronto, Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced OSP as the successful bidder and highlighted the significance of this iconic project for the province and city of Toronto. The newly designed Ontario Science Centre will be a world-class facility offering science-based educational programming where generations of visitors can explore the wonders of science. The prestigious project represents a transformative step for science education and public engagement in Ontario.

A joint venture, with Sacyr and Amico each holding a 50% stake, will serve as the Design-Build Contractor for the project. Construction of the new Centre is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026. The project will generate significant construction activity and long-term operational employment over its life.

The contract is procured under a Design Build Finance Maintain (DBFM) semi wide equity model, and is valued at C$1.04 billion. The consortium has achieved financial close with a combination of local and international banks for a non-recourse senior revolving credit facility. This facility will be used to finance the initial investment and will be fully repaid at the end of construction phase. Equity contributions from OSP Consortium shareholders will serve as the sole source of long-term financing.

Leaders from the consortium’s member companies expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver an exceptional project. In a joint statement from the group, they said, “Our consortium brings together industry leading expertise that is informed by extensive global and local experience. The new landmark will inspire generations of bright minds – from schools and families all across Ontario – and ignite their curiosity for decades to come.

By making science more accessible to the public, we hope to support Ontario’s long history of scientific research, backed by leading institutions and Universities. All of us at OSP are delighted to have been entrusted with the building of this public legacy.”

A sustainable, state-of-the-art facility 

The Ontario Science Centre will be a will be a best-in-class complex, seamlessly integrated into its environment while preserving iconic landmarks such as the historic Cinesphere. It will offer STEM-focused educational programs and incorporate sustainability targets, including LEED Silver certification, optimized energy performance, and GHG emissions reductions.

The design will be led by renowned Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini, in partnership with the prestigious international studio Snøhetta.