Plans to potentially develop a performing arts center in The Woodlands are on hold after a decision by the township board of directors July 22, but the concept could be revisited when conditions are more favorable, officials said.

In December, the township board of directors approved a memorandum of understanding with the Pavilion's board for the potential development of a center on township property next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Lake Robbins Drive. The plan had been to study financing, parking and traffic flow options for a performing arts center with indoor performance spaces, according to a township news release.

"The Pavilion is still interested in the concept of a performing arts facility and working with the Township to develop the concept,” Pavilion CEO Jerry MacDonald said in a statement released by the township. “This project further extends The Pavilion’s mission of making the arts accessible to all in our community. We look forward to working together again once conditions and timing improves.”

At the July 22 board meeting held by videoconference, Visit the Woodlands President Nick Wolda said the 120-day agreement to begin looking at the viability of the project expired, and the Pavilion asked the discussion be put on hold until after the pandemic subsides and economic conditions improve. Visit the Woodlands is the township's convention and visitors bureau.

The addition of new cultural facilities has been a goal for the township, said board of directors Secretary Ann Snyder, who chairs the township's economic development committee.

“This is a venture that has been carefully researched with a great amount of public input along the way," Snyder said in a statement "It is a dream dating back to the initial days of the creation of the Town Center and George and Cynthia Mitchell. Taking care of our community needs during this pandemic is our focus and when economic conditions improve, we look forward to bringing this concept back.”