Efforts to build a performing arts centre within a new downtown arts district took a big step forward Monday night. Groups behind former competing proposals have now formalized a partnership  that will see a single vision unveiled early next year.

The best aspects of the concepts put forward by The Grand Theatre and Orchestra London will now be incorporated into a single concept developed by a new task force.

The task force will meet for the first time this week. It is made up of representatives from Orchestra London, the Grand, as well as the broader arts community.

 The Investment and Economic Prosperity Committee wants the task force to provide a detailed update on January 27.

 After that staff will hire an outside consultant to evaluate the feasibility of the proposal.