FAIRFIELD — A community cultural center being planned for the Village Green project will cost about $9.6 million.

        The price tag isn't final and the proposed center isn't a done deal, but that was the first estimate this week from consultants helping the city design and build the facility.

        If approved by council, the 45,000-square-foot brick building could be constructed and open in about two years.

        “We are just going to have to sit down and crunch the numbers to see if we can afford it,” City Councilman Steve Miller said.

        The center, which would be next to the city's newest park and library, would be three stories including a basement. Key to the building's design is offering not only cultural events for the public but also community activities geared toward all.

        The building will hold about 1,000 people with live productions and lectures in a 250- to 300-elevated-seat theater and offer senior activities in a separate, first-story room with billiards.

        Along with the amphitheater and library already in Village Green, the new center is meant to draw more visitors and expand and define Fairfield's downtown.

        John Lawson, chairman of the newly formed, nine-member Fairfield Cultural Arts Commission, said the center could draw about 22,000 people a year.

        “The center will reach the whole community, young and old, and be a drawing point for people,” Mr. Lawson said. Fairfield City Council is expected to discuss the project again at a work session at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

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