The city Monday took the next steps to finding a partner for the planned $772 million redevelopment of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center campus, putting out a call for interested parties.

Potential public-private partners have until Oct. 31 to respond to the city Purchasing Division’s Request for Qualifications for a private development entity to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a redeveloped Blaisdell complex on the existing 22-acre site.

The Blaisdell Center Master Plan proposes replacing the existing arena with a nearly identical, clam shell-shaped but modernized version; demolishing the exhibition hall and replacing it with an upgraded version; constructing a 1,500-seat performance hall, an arts ensemble building and a satellite city hall; and replacing the now three-story parking structure with two new parking facilities that could house about 500 more vehicles.

There would also be a new sports pavilion attached to the arena, and Victoria Street would extend to Kapiolani Boulevard, creating a true border with McKinley High School. The existing concert hall would be retained but get significant upgrades.

Within the campus would be garden walkways, water features and five restaurants or bars.

The partner would receive availability payments from the city for operation and maintenance of the campus for the life of an agreement.

The existing facility — including the arena, concert hall and exhibition hall — opened in 1964. Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city has spent nearly the last five years mapping out the master plan with the community.

“The proposed public- private partnership would benefit the city and provide a next-generation civic center for our residents by paying a significant portion of the costs related to construction,” Caldwell said. “Civic centers have proven to be economic drivers for cities around the world. Unless we upgrade, Honolulu will no longer be able to attract the kinds of arts, culture, entertainment and sporting events that our citizens enjoy. This is a project that will serve the community for decades to come.”

Some critics of the plan say the city should finish the $9.2 billion, East Kapolei-­to-Ala Moana Center rail project before embarking on another ambitious project.

The Request for Qualifications can be viewed online at honolulu.gov/pur.

For more information or assistance, contact the Purchasing Division at 768-3205.

The city’s timeline calls for a partner to be selected by fall 2020, about the same time as the start of demolition.