The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.

The council on Tuesday approved a bid for consulting firms to work on the study.

The study is designed to address market demand, economic impact, construction costs and facility operation. It is aimed at finding out what options Gainesville has in developing a venue successful in attracting large meetings, conferences and entertainment.

City council members have said the Georgia Mountains Center was too small to attract big-name talent and was losing money in its former role as a convention center. That facility is being remodeled by Brenau University to create classroom space and labs.

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