The empty lots where Oman School and Ashley Park School used to stand began to take shape at Swift Current city council on Monday night.

Redevelopment plans for the two former school sites were shown off at council, with city council approving a pair of motions to inform the public they're consider the proposed plans.

The concept plans were brought to council just under a year after they began a very thorough four-step public engagement process and four years after the City reached an agreement for a nominal amount with the Chinook School Division to acquire the two vacant lots.

Michael Ruus, general manager of planning and growth development with the City of Swift Current, said feedback from the redevelopment of St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's School sites led them to add an extra layer of public engagement this time around.

"We decided that for these projects we wanted to add that extra step because some of the feedback we received was that some folks that weren't in the immediate proximity of the site didn't have that opportunity on the front end to offer any ideas," he said.

Both plans include park space (which according to the City makes up 18 per cent of Swift Current) and residential area.

"There are some members of the public that wanted to see those sites remain as park space, but recognizing that we have an infill guideline that requires us to move forward with a housing component on all those infill sites," Ruus said. "I think we struck a pretty good balance to offer some of the amenities that these residents also expect."

The former Ashley Park School site plan has 13 single-detached residential lots, a park area, and the existing soccer pitch will stay.

Ashley Park Plan

While the former Oman School site plan includes 15 modern style houses, nine single-unit houses on narrow lots, a park area, and a commemorative gathering area in honour of the Oman families contribution to the City.

Oman Concept Plan

The next step in the redevelopment process for the two vacant lots will be a public hearing at a council meeting in the near future.

"If there is additional feedback (at the public hearing) we would take note of it and see if there anything is that needs to be addressed in the draft plan," he said. "Then if the community is happy with how we've done on this project then we will move forward with approval through council."

No timeline for construction was given, but the City did say they're committed to being the developer for the sites and if the plans are approved by council they'd be moving forward on the Oman site first.