[MonctonRad]

I too have noticed that some of the more active posters no longer live in the area. We may not have moved away by choice and are still genuinely interested in what's going on in our former home.

Some of us who no longer live in Halifax, moved away for economic reasons such as a lack of job opportunities in our field......

If there had been a job available at the VGH (or Infirmary) when I finished my residency, I would likely still be living in Halifax today.

If you don't want people to move away, then make sure that the city is progressive and economically viable and people would stay!! I think people like Bousquet don't comprehend this (or don't care). They would just prefer the small comfortable Halifax that they knew in their childhood. It must give them a warm and fuzzy feeling...

There are literally thousands of people who did move away who may have preferred to live in Halifax, but couldn't. Just imagine the lost opportunities due to this exodus.

This by the way doesn't mean that I don't like living in Moncton.... :)

[sdm]

I do find it suspicious that he only has made 1 posting. But I think his posting is wrong.

We may feud sometimes but we do try to respect other people's opinions. I also agree with the comment about Fenwick's work on the stadium and echo Worldly's comment about DJ's dedication to this.

But I do have to say that when I saw the LOL - I took it as a joke. :)

But back to the subject of this thread - it's been about a week now since the money was announced. Anyone have a guess or news about what's going on? I know Rank is reconfirming things - I suspect we'll hear something in mid september.


My understanding is they are looking for tenants to commit now, which leads me to believe the tenants in the past where "interested" but had no formal arrangements in place.

Hopefully they are going to commit formally now, but i am nervous that with the economic uncertainties that are happening globally again that 2 months is not a whole lot of time to secure tenants.

Can they build it without the office tower? or are they required to build it all at once. If memory serves me correct i thought it was required to be done all at once because if it didn't the tax income to the city would be considerably less.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Plus my phone is still registered in Nova Scotia, so I pay HST. :P

Such a good point!

[halifaxboyns]

Such a good point!

Not really - as I explain to everyone out here; I have technologically inept relatives. A cell phone is slightly above their comprehension. :)

[fenwick16]

I think eastcoastal was referring to this post by fenwick:



In stating that most of us like extraordinary highrises and skylines, he was (probably unintenionally) doing the same thing Bosquet does: assume that their opinion represents the opinion of the masses. People like Bosquet are in a minority, but this forum is also a minority group.

I don't wish to start a debate, but polls have indicated that the majority of people in the HRM actually are in favour of modern architecture and highrise buildings. I am not convinced that the people posting on this forum are in the minority. Here is a poll that indicates that a majority of residents favour buildings over 10 stories - http://www.greaterhalifax.com/site-ghp2/media/greaterhalifax/Myths_2008.pdf

There are very few people that I have met in my lifetime who are actually opposed to highrises. Most people actually seem to be impressed by buildings such as the Empire State Building, Sears Tower (or Willis Tower), Golden Gate Bridge, Pyramid Tower, Rogers Centre and other impressive buildings. Locally in the HRM, if you look at pictures posted on Flickr of Halifax, many are of Purdy's Wharf Towers.

[eastcoastal]

I don't get that one??? Can you explain? Are you saying that you like generic highrises?

PS: I don't have a clue what you are stating, eastcoastal - you seem to interpret things in a very unique way ...

Well... when you state that some of US like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines, you bestow superior taste upon yourself. I just thought it was funny to give yourself accolades. Although, maybe I should assume myself to be part of the US you describe as having superlative judgement in the area of tall buildings.

It is a little humourous to imply that because you believe something is extraordinary, it becomes a fact. One person's extraordinary is another person's ordinary.

I'm not implying that I like generic high rises... or that you do.

I'm also not implying that you are wrong (especially if I'm included in US).

[fenwick16]

Well... when you state that some of US like extraordinary highrises and extraordinary skylines, you bestow superior taste upon yourself. I just thought it was funny to give yourself accolades. Although, maybe I should assume myself to be part of the US you describe as having superlative judgement in the area of tall buildings.

It is a little humourous to imply that because you believe something is extraordinary, it becomes a fact. One person's extraordinary is another person's ordinary.

I'm not implying that I like generic high rises... or that you do.

I'm also not implying that you are wrong (especially if I'm included in US).

To paraphrase my comment; I believe that most people prefer extraordinary highrises not generic highrises. And yes, I do believe that I and other non-architects can decide which highrises they consider to be extraordinary and which they don't. I didn't give examples of what I consider to be extraordinary in my initial comment. Probably that is why I couldn't understand your initial comment. Your indignation came from your viewpoint that I cannot decide what is extraordinary and what is generic. I won't pretend to have respect for your viewpoint, since I find your viewpoint to be pompous and repugnant.

Below is one of your other comments from the United Gulf thread that was directed at me (since you quoted one of my comments). Calling the general public "Joe Public" is just pure arrogance, in my opinion. A previous poll indicated that the majority of people in the HRM like highrises over 10 storeys - http://www.greaterhalifax.com/site-ghp2/media/greaterhalifax/Myths_2008.pdf. However, based on your opinion, the general public should be ignored.

(source of your previous comment: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=5354882#post5354882 )
Sorry I wasn't clear. I did understand that you didn't particularly favour this proposal, but that you were critical of the heights set by HRMbyDesign which you felt were arbitrary.

Why bother hiring professionals if you're going to let Joe Public make the rules anyway? I think the public workshops were held to get public opinion, but ultimately, it was the professionals who made recommendations (that council changed at will anyway). While I think the public is perfectly capable of stating its opinions, I do not believe it is educated enough to function as an urban planner or urban designer. Just does not have the education.

While I can only speculate on the reasons for establishing a height below the ramparts (not being an educated planner or urban designer myself), I have to wonder if the new height is any less arbitrary than the ramparts law. I know, the ramparts bylaw is based on not seeing buildings from 5 (or so) predetermined points in the parade square of the citadel. I'm sorry, but I think that's a pretty messed up way to guide the urban form of a city people actually live and work in - to make it feel like good-ole-scalping-indians-days from inside an old fort built by our former colonial masters?

So, HRMbyDesign is supposed to be guided by best practices of contemporary urban planning and design. Ostensibly, the heights are guided by the public workshops held, advice from real estate and design professionals, and the input from the (presumably) educated professionals hired to give advice. While I can't say they are absolutely the right heights now, I can't really say that they are better or worse than the ramparts laws. What I will say, is that the intended coherency of heights that relate from one block to the next (I know... doesn't always happen...) is important, and that height planned on a multi-block scale may be the right step.

I don't know if there is a realistic condo market for a building like this. Even if there was, I think something like this might put a serious pause on any other residential development downtown for some time.

[Jstaleness]

Is this still the Nova Centre Thread? I'm glad we can all debate. I'm wondering though if we shouldn't open another thread if we want to debate what we believe is extraordinary. I mean no disrespect by this, numerous threads have gone way off topic in the past.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Anyway, this development is going to happen, so the previous debates are somewhat moot.

To move this thread back in the right direction... any speculation on who the tennants will be? There are alot of financial institutions that could open offices down from Toronto, or the US, Europe.

I'm really suprised we don't have any major international banks with offices in Halifax given our strategic location for NYC (ahead by an hour).

[sdm]

Anyway, this development is going to happen, so the previous debates are somewhat moot.

To move this thread back in the right direction... any speculation on who the tennants will be? There are alot of financial institutions that could open offices down from Toronto, or the US, Europe.

I'm really suprised we don't have any major international banks with offices in Halifax given our strategic location for NYC (ahead by an hour).

Financial institutions are not going to move to Halifax from Toronto. Besides all the major banks have all recently, or are building new development in downtown Toronto.

You may get some back of house call centres for banks and hedge funds, but they typically don't pay the rent required of new builds.

[haligonia]

*Sorry for continuing the debate*

Fenwick, I think that eastcoastal was trying to say that every person has a different idea of "extraordinary". For example, some people love the Transamerica Pyramid, and others hate it. Whether or not a highrise is extraordinary cannot be determined by one person (architect or non-architect). It doesn't mean that one person's opinion doesn't matter or is invalid, it just means we all have different taste.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Financial institutions are not going to move to Halifax from Toronto. Besides all the major banks have all recently, or are building new development in downtown Toronto.

You may get some back of house call centres for banks and hedge funds, but they typically don't pay the rent required of new builds.

I don't mean "move", I mean establish a branch office.

There are plenty of FIs and banks in western Canada that could be candidates as well.

[halifaxboyns]

I don't mean "move", I mean establish a branch office.

There are plenty of FIs and banks in western Canada that could be candidates as well.

I have a bit of a different take on this. I have to agree with SDM, there are already branch offices of the major banks in Halifax. What you might see happen is that one of them might move to this building because they are located in an older office tower and want newer/modern office space.

Where I think HRM might be suited for some professional office is in marine insurance. Lloyd's of London and other marine insurance underwriters that sort of thing. Considering the marine port and off-shore oil activites, it would seem a very suitable and logical thing to encourage. I'm not sure if such offices are in Halifax now, but considering it could be a maritime branch it might be worth while. I'm just not sure how you would go about encouraging such offices to locate in Halifax.

The other thing to consider is that with oil hovering (on average) around $90/barrel, off-shore oil has become profitable again. Although it's only been some time since the gulf oil spill, in about a year I suspect there will be more interest. So convincing some of the off-shore oil players to put branch offices in Halifax is another idea, although one of them moved to NFLD recently. I'd be interested to find out part of ther reasons for that (I have a suspicion they may have gotten some generous exemptions on property, business taxes and some grants to move there - something HRM or NS Economic Development could do).

[fenwick16]

Ok let's end the debates.

Regarding the Nova Centre office space. I personally don't think that the Nova Centre has an overwhelming abundance of office space. It has been stated in the local media that the Nova Centre will have 1,200,000 square feet of new space. However, there was an article about a year or two ago (time goes by quickly) that gave the impression that the two levels of underground parking were being included in that calculation. The underground parking area is probably close to 200,000 square (based on the site dimensions x 2 levels).

The convention centre has slightly more than 300,000 gross square feet of space (that includes everything, hallways, lobbies, kitchens, washrooms, etc. - source - https://conventioncentreinfo.com/about/overview/ ). It appears as though the hotel will have approximately 250,000 square feet (this is a guesstimate based on the lot size and number of storeys). There is also retail space which could be 100,000 square feet or so. Adding all these numbers up, I get 850K of space (including the parking space). So the remaining space, if office space, would be 350K square feet or so. The office space consists of a fairly slender 11-12 storey office tower on a large podium (14 storeys total), so it doesn't look like an excessive amount of office space.

Joe Ramia of Rank Inc. has stated in the past (in the media, and at an HRM televised meeting) that he would allocate some of the office space to residential if he didn't have sufficient office tenants lined up. So potentially the Nova Centre office space could only be 200K - 300K square feet (this is just my conjecture). This doesn't seem like an overwhelming amount as far as finding tenants goes. Some businesses will want to be associated with a convention centre that has an abundance of meeting rooms.

Having a hotel that is connected to a convention centre should make it easier to find a hotel operator. As far as parking goes, it is required downtown. Residential space in that area seems to be in demand (fairly close to Spring Garden Road). So Rank Inc. may not have too difficult of a time to find the necessary tenants (although 2 months seems like a very tight schedule to get all the commitments).

[Empire]

Financial institutions are not going to move to Halifax from Toronto. Besides all the major banks have all recently, or are building new development in downtown Toronto.

You may get some back of house call centres for banks and hedge funds, but they typically don't pay the rent required of new builds.

It is possible that no one is lined up and the real marketing could only begin when the feds came on board? It will be interesting to see if joe applies for an extension on hunting down offshore reinsurers.

[halifaxboyns]

It is possible that no one is lined up and the real marketing could only begin when the feds came on board? It will be interesting to see if joe applies for an extension on hunting down offshore reinsurers.

I don't know if he'd really need that much time...some of the buildings that some of the banks are in are getting up there in age. The CIBC building office space isn't that great on the upper levels and the same with the Royal Bank building.

If he was able to score one of the banks out of the existing towers in the financial 'district' - then he'd have scored a good chunk of his office space filled, then we might see the redevelopment of an older office tower (or major renovation).

Fenwick also makes an interesting point that I forgot about. Joe Ramia did say he'd shift some of the commercial component to residential if the market still wasn't strong enough. Considering the downtown could use all the residential it could get; this may be a good thing. But I wonder if this might be why there is a delay (or part of it) - he's looking over the financials of what a greater residential component would look like and how much of a hit to his profit there would be?

[q12]

Group irked by convention centre opinion poll

Desiree Finhert Sep 13, 2011 05:26:04 AM

http://www.news957.com/news/local/article/276744--group-irked-by-convention-centre-opinion-poll

Even more money is being spent on the multi-million dollar World Trade and Convention Centre proposed for downtown Halifax and this time it's on an opinion poll.

At least one member of the Save the View conservation group was randomly selected to participate in the survey on Friday and asked questions which have now raised more questions of their own.

:tantrum:

:haha: I find this funny how STV are such sore losers. They tried make the public think the convention centre was a bad idea, when all they wanted was to stop a tall building from being constructed.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I don't want to get into the whole "NDP" debate again... but I would bet money that these sore losers (STV and co.) generally voted for the NDP.

Now they don't trust Dexter (who is doing a pretty good job) just because he's pragmatic on this issue? Wow, they probably helped get him into office.

It doesn't get more democratic than that, so I don't want to hear any more bullshit from these clowns on how this is unfair. You lost and you can't push your fringe agenda on us any more. It sucks that the general public isn't educated on this issue, but ultimately the lies and misinformation did nothing but discredit each and every member associated with these groups. I won't forget who they are, especially the ones who try to take credit when this turns out to be a success.

I'm sorry, but these people are out to lunch... calling themselves a conservation group? We're not talking about killing whales here, we are talking about high density downtown development, that, regardless of what they say is viable and needed. And good for NS, our environment, our downtown.

Who are they going to vote for going forward? Provincial cons, libs, and new dems party lines were in support of this... The marijauna party wouldn't even let these folks in because they are for legalizing, not opposing! :banana:

[halifaxboyns]

Its one thing for preserving heritage because it was subject of a very ill conceived road plan (Harbour Drive) and even the viewplane argument back in the late 60's has some merits...but to be involved in this argument is purely and unabashedly obstructionist, pure and simple.

This group (and others like it) think they are doing a favour to the city by doing all this. This begs the question: Have they ever asked people in a formal, statistical pole? I suspect most people would tell them to get stuffed if they really knew the truth...

[RyeJay]

I don't want to get into the whole "NDP" debate again... but I would bet money that these sore losers (STV and co.) generally voted for the NDP.

Now they don't trust Dexter (who is doing a pretty good job) just because he's pragmatic on this issue? Wow, they probably helped get him into office.

It doesn't get more democratic than that, so I don't want to hear any more bullshit from these clowns on how this is unfair.

Or, to paraphrase: you don't want anyone responding in the NDP's defence after you bash them, because a serious stance of not desiring a debate would require you 'backspacing' all of that... and not saying anything to begin with.

I have voted NDP before, and shall in the future.
I support the Convention Centre.

I know people of all political parties that are against this development; it's not just the 'clowns'. Regardless, the centre will be built, likely starting next spring.

These sore losers will get over it. Now it's your turn.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Or, to paraphrase: you don't want anyone responding in the NDP's defence after you bash them, because a serious stance of not desiring a debate would require you 'backspacing' all of that... and not saying anything to begin with.


These sore losers will get over it. Now it's your turn.

Reread my statement, I wasn't bashing the NDP at all... especially the provincial NDP. I think Dexter is doing a good job, and wrote it in my last post.

I have actually voted NDP in the past, but I'm not a huge fan of some specific members of the federal and provincial parties.

Jack Layton was the man and I like when an NDP government is pragmatic like the Dexter one.

Isn't it somewhat public knowledge of who many of the development opponents from the prov and fed gov'ts are? I don't know of any liberal or cons, but correct me if I'm wrong.

[Keith P.]

The NDP has more than its share of wingnuts, and they tend to get lots of publicity. I am thinking of the likes of Kommissar Howard Epstein whipping the STV folks into a frenzy over this and other downtown development proposals.

[worldlyhaligonian]

The NDP has more than its share of wingnuts, and they tend to get lots of publicity. I am thinking of the likes of Kommissar Howard Epstein whipping the STV folks into a frenzy over this and other downtown development proposals.

A few bad apples. But seriously, not to name anybody specific, but its pretty crazy when people won't even support their own party's projects and won't budge a bit on certain issues.

[Waye Mason]

The NDP has more than its share of wingnuts, and they tend to get lots of publicity. I am thinking of the likes of Kommissar Howard Epstein whipping the STV folks into a frenzy over this and other downtown development proposals.

This is right, and why Howard is not in cabinet.

[Waye Mason]

The NDP has more than its share of wingnuts, and they tend to get lots of publicity. I am thinking of the likes of Kommissar Howard Epstein whipping the STV folks into a frenzy over this and other downtown development proposals.

This is right, and why Howard is not in cabinet - he makes a great voice or devils advocate though.

[someone123]

I wonder when we'll hear news about this?

[RyeJay]

I wonder when we'll hear news about this?

Soon, I expect. The end of September means the shipbuilding announcement--which I imagine will encourage a further reveal of developmental news.

I believe there are quite a few anticipative developers to see what Ottawa says before they pull their investment trigger.

[Haliguy]

This is right, and why Howard is not in cabinet - he makes a great voice or devils advocate though.

Yeah if his advocatcy actually contrubuted to anything but usually doesn't.

[Dmajackson]

Truly a Haligonian use of a downtown block!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6239086500_2a55dc7340_z.jpg

[Jstaleness]

That's great, I love it. Can you post that in the pictures of your city thread in the Canada Section?

[someone123]

I'd love it more if it were a construction site.

[resetcbu1]

I'd love it more if it were a construction site.

Amen to that!

[RyeJay]

I'd love it more if it were a construction site.

The summer will arrive soon enough. I don't think there will be a delay with getting a shovel into the ground for this project.

[sdm]

The summer will arrive soon enough. I don't think there will be a delay with getting a shovel into the ground for this project.

I thought there was a 2 month deadline date for the developer to respond to the province on the status of the "private" porition of the development?

[sdm]

Convention centre not done deal

By ROGER TAYLOR Business Columnist
Fri, Oct 14 - 7:57 AM

Everyone thinks the new Halifax convention centre is a fait accompli, don’t they?

Well, maybe not everybody, but since Nova Scotia’s representative in the federal cabinet, Defence Minister Peter MacKay, announced in August that Ottawa would be contributing to the new downtown convention facility, most of us have been waiting for construction to start on the two desolate city blocks earmarked for the project.

Apparently it isn’t that simple.

The federal government may be willing to contribute $51.4 million, slightly more than the $47 million initially requested, but that may not be enough to make up for the delay.

The idea of building a new convention centre started back in the spring of 2008. The province and city called on developers to submit proposals. A year later, both levels of government signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on the convention centre, which would be "open for business no later than Jan. 1, 2013."

By the fall of 2009, developer Rank Inc. had been chosen to submit a more detailed bid, which it did by the summer of 2010.

Rank’s idea was to make the convention centre one part of a $500-million project also to include a hotel, financial centre and retail complex on the former Halifax Herald lands.

Later in 2010, the province and city indicated their support for Rank’s proposal, and the province set about negotiating the details.

After that process, it was revealed that Rank had committed to covering any cost overruns during construction, and once the lease term was up, ownership of the convention centre would be handed over to the province.

The province and city officially endorsed the deal last December, to the tune of $56 million each, to be paid in the form of a capital lease over 25 years. The province then finally submitted a funding request to the federal government, which was to provide a lump-sum payment once construction was substantially completed.

Rank promised to build the convention centre at cost, and it guaranteed the price tag of $159 million until this past January to allow Ottawa time to evaluate the project. After it was obvious that the deadline would pass without a decision, Rank agreed to extend it until April. But that deadline also passed without a commitment from the federal government.

Then there was a federal election on May 2 and a change in ministers before MacKay finally made his funding announcement in August.

But by that time, Rank had already moved on to Plan B. The developer had been quietly promoting a phased-in office complex, with some elements of the larger proposal but without the convention centre.

While part of the problem may have been updating and nailing down price quotes from various contractors, a bigger issue has been negotiating with potential tenants for the financial centre. I’ve heard that some tenants were lost after the two deadlines were missed for funding the convention centre.

In many respects, developing the empty lots in phases would be less stressful for everyone, but having a convention centre in the heart of downtown would be more beneficial for the city in the long run than simply having another office building or two.

Will the convention centre be built?

It is still in Rank’s hands, and the developer indicated in August that it could take at least 60 days to commit to proceeding with the project.

Even if Rank decides to go ahead with the convention centre, the construction schedule has been set back considerably. It would now open sometime in 2015 — a far cry from the January 2013 opening the politicians had hoped for.

( rtaylor@herald.ca)

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1268279.html

[Jstaleness]

Disappointing to say the least. Obviously Rank had more info than the rest of us did as far as a Federal boost goes. However, I can't blame him for actively promoting the plan B. I assume now he is trying to reestablish credibility with all the former investors and tenants who have seen promises fail a few times in the past. In the meantime though get some equipment in there and clean the site up some. It's obvious now that work isn't going to truly begin until possibly late 2012.

[someone123]

Not surprising. A lot of people seem to have an oversimplified view of the situation -- government funding, then shovels in the ground a couple weeks later.

I do suspect that it will work out in the end due to the magnitude of money committed, but I stand by earlier comments about how the government derails a lot of stuff with its slowness and poor planning. Halifax seems to have about a dozen half-baked projects at any given point in time. I was kind of surprised how the city followed through with the library, but there's still the issue of the old building. The convention centre RFP and related delays have caused those blocks to sit empty for year. Plus there are the many lots that are just held or underused for whatever reason. And on top of that there's waffling on stuff like roadway improvements or streetscaping, so who knows what state a given part of the city will be in in the future?

No coincidence that some of the best parts of the city have been very "hands-off" as far as the government goes. Actually the biggest problem with Spring Garden Road is those parking lots that the city held on to for stupid reasons. They should have been sold off decades ago.

Aside from that it's also unfortunate that there's so much focus on office downtown. Rank's plan B is office? Why? There's Waterside Centre, the shelved IP plan (must be office!), Queen's Landing or whatever it's called, etc. There isn't demand for all this office space, and even if it were all built it wouldn't improve the downtown much. Apartments and some condo development could happen profitably right now and would have a big impact.

[spaustin]

Disappointing to say the least. Obviously Rank had more info than the rest of us did as far as a Federal boost goes. However, I can't blame him for actively promoting the plan B. I assume now he is trying to reestablish credibility with all the former investors and tenants who have seen promises fail a few times in the past. In the meantime though get some equipment in there and clean the site up some. It's obvious now that work isn't going to truly begin until possibly late 2012.

Who knows how "firm" those tenants were in the first place. It's easy to say you have large financial companys lined up and ready to bring high-paying jobs to Halifax when you're trying to get an approval, it's quite another to deliver. Hopefully it'll still come together since this project does a whole lot less if it's just moving space around in the Downtown amongst the existing bunch.

[fenwick16]

I didn't see anything new in Roger Taylor's story today. I remember reading all the information stated in today's story stated previously by Joe Ramia 2 months ago. It seems as though Roger Taylor was expecting for shovels to be in the ground by now when in reality most people thought 2 months would be too short a time to line up commitments.

[hfxtradesman]

Some news from this project. The CC was almost not going to happen. Plan "B" was in the works without the CC , but the gov. ( not sure which one ) wanted this project to proceed and make it work. So now there is some size changes (to the CC rooms) and maybe some to the building. Hopefully we will hear something in the coming weeks, that this will be a go.

[RyeJay]

Some news from this project. The CC was almost not going to happen. Plan "B" was in the works without the CC , but the gov. ( not sure which one ) wanted this project to proceed and make it work. So now there is some size changes (to the CC rooms) and maybe some to the building. Hopefully we will hear something in the coming weeks, that this will be a go.

It was almost not going to happen? I wasn't aware of so much doubt.

And I mostly suspect the provincial government's hand in ensuring this project goes through, considering the effort Dexter (and even Kelly) put into this.

As for the room size changes in the building's blueprints, are you implying they could be possibly be adding to the dimensions? Perhaps smaller rooms are in the details now because of an assumption of the CC's rejection?

...anyone want to place bets the building is dramatically different from the last rendering?

[sdm]

It was almost not going to happen? I wasn't aware of so much doubt.

And I mostly suspect the provincial government's hand in ensuring this project goes through, considering the effort Dexter (and even Kelly) put into this.

As for the room size changes in the building's blueprints, are you implying they could be possibly be adding to the dimensions? Perhaps smaller rooms are in the details now because of an assumption of the CC's rejection?

...anyone want to place bets the building is dramatically different from the last rendering?

Correct me if i am wrong, but any changes that may impact the financials of the centre i.e. less tax generated would require re-approval.

[jslath]

There is an article on CBC about King's Wharf and the author included the following: "In downtown Halifax, another developer wants to build an office tower as part of the new convention centre project. Construction is delayed at the Nova Centre development while Rank Inc. tries to secure tenants."

I'm rather annoyed at Rank Inc because of all the fuss they raised about the federal government being slow to approve funding. They threatened cost increases, they threatened to use Plan-B. Now they dropped the ball.

Developer wants to switch up King's Wharf (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/11/10/ns-development-wants-change.html)

[Wishblade]

There is an article on CBC about King's Wharf and the author included the following: "In downtown Halifax, another developer wants to build an office tower as part of the new convention centre project. Construction is delayed at the Nova Centre development while Rank Inc. tries to secure tenants."

I'm rather annoyed at Rank Inc because of all the fuss they raised about the federal government being slow to approve funding. They threatened cost increases, they threatened to use Plan-B. Now they dropped the ball.

Developer wants to switch up King's Wharf (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/11/10/ns-development-wants-change.html)

Maybe if the government would have been a bit quicker on the draw, the tenants would have still been lined up and ready to go. Market conditions changed during the delay, and you have what we now have. A development delayed and still waiting to break ground.

With that being said though, I think Rank should definately consider a switch from office to condo or rental. The conditions are much more in favour of that type of construction right now.

[sdm]

Maybe if the government would have been a bit quicker on the draw, the tenants would have still been lined up and ready to go. Market conditions changed during the delay, and you have what we now have. A development delayed and still waiting to break ground.

With that being said though, I think Rank should definately consider a switch from office to condo or rental. The conditions are much more in favour of that type of construction right now.

The problem with the switch is the economics change for both the province and city, therefore the return on their investment through taxes significantly decreases (office usually generates higher real estate taxes).

Sad to say, but with everything that is going on globally i doubt there will be success in securing enough tenancy to proceed with the office.

[fenwick16]

There is an article on CBC about King's Wharf and the author included the following: "In downtown Halifax, another developer wants to build an office tower as part of the new convention centre project. Construction is delayed at the Nova Centre development while Rank Inc. tries to secure tenants."

I'm rather annoyed at Rank Inc because of all the fuss they raised about the federal government being slow to approve funding. They threatened cost increases, they threatened to use Plan-B. Now they dropped the ball.

Developer wants to switch up King's Wharf (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/11/10/ns-development-wants-change.html)

I wouldn't say they dropped the ball on this. I think many people are becoming impatient and would like to see progress. But it has only been about 3 months since federal approval and with such a large project I am sure that there will be months of design work to be completed in addition to securing tenants (I wonder if the detailed convention centre design work has begun?). I wonder if dropping some of the office space or replacing it with some residential would simplify the design and excavation work. If more space is above ground then they might save 20 - 30 feet of excavation. Based on the early design sketches, it appeared as though the excavation next to Brunswick Street would have been almost 70 feet deep.

In any case, having additional residential development in the downtown core will bring 24/7 vibrancy to the downtown core that office development can't.

Are there any guesses on when excavation will begin? I am guessing around March 2012 but that is just my wild guess.

[Wishblade]

The problem with the switch is the economics change for both the province and city, therefore the return on their investment through taxes significantly decreases (office usually generates higher real estate taxes).

Sad to say, but with everything that is going on globally i doubt there will be success in securing enough tenancy to proceed with the office.

Well, all I have to say is Residential generates higher taxes than a hole in the ground which is what it will probably stay for a long time if he keeps the office portion as is. Developers really need to start adapting to market changes around here. I don't understand why there aren't more people building residential downtown. It seems like a no brainer :shrug:.

[Chadillaccc]

When is this one going to council?

[Dartboy]

The federal funding came through but the developer now appears on hold. Published reports have the developer now in need of committed tenants which apparently have backed away after some of the world debt issues. OK that is fair.

However if we had gone gangbusters into this and this economic change happened after we were into this say a few years does that not imply that the developer really does not have the proper financial backing to begin with.

I was against the project for the most part due to the terms and have slightly warmed to it in more I dont really give a hoot anymore. (Excited about Kings Wharf etc).

So in light of this uncertainty I would be nervous about moving forward with the risk of us as taxpayers ending up with a giant boondoggle. Perhaps the next 6 months will provide some clarity as the developer has been remarkably quiet on this after being quite public about getting a decsion from council which I admit was delayed as was the fed but he has the go ahead and no cant go ahead.

This concerns me

[someone123]

I wasn't very excited about this development in the beginning because it messed with existing plans for these lots, and because the convention centre could have gone in a better location. I was happier when the plans were released because they were somewhat mixed-use.

I have no idea if this will work out or not but sadly this is pretty close to being a prime example of how the government can unintentionally make things worse. When you announce that you're looking to fund somebody you interfere with their plans, and if you waffle then they end up behind. I think the same stuff more or less happened on Barrington Street for a while when the city debated tax rebates for renovations. For several years there was an incentive to hold off on renovating heritage properties in order to get future rebates.

[Jstaleness]

I found this when I was looking up something about the old Midtown. It also features the herald property so I figured I would share. Nothing we don't already know but just brings it all together.

http://contrarian.ca/2011/08/13/wheres-that-shovel-again/


What Parker didn't mention at the bottom though is that it is not all developer related issues holding back the shovels. Some issues are city related one I can think of hasn't gotten the complete go ahead yet. We shall see.

[someone123]

Some of those are misleading. Gottingen and Kaye was not "shovel-ready" in 2009. It has been waiting for approval and in fact the height had to be reduced in response to pressure from neighbours. It is a canonical example of delays from the planning process.

The Barrington and George lot is empty because the city did nothing with it and then gave it to the province in exchange for the library land. Again, not the fault of developers.

Salter and UG both went through tons of problems from the city. I don't think they can be 100% pinned on anybody, but when a project is delayed by NSUARB appeals and so forth it becomes harder to predict what to build and what the market wants. I personally believe that if the city had had its act together by 2004 or so we might have gotten 1-2 additional projects downtown before the financial troubles. Had there been more of a planning effort to get offices downtown instead of into suburban office parks we would have also seen stuff like Waterside; RIM could have gone there for example but instead it went in Hammonds Plains.

My opinion of Waterside is that it was a mistake for the developer to begin demolition of heritage buildings before having a plan in place for redevelopment. I believe he has admitted to this.

It's also worth noting that several successful recent developments have snuck into those photos: the Marriott Residence Inn, Bishop's Landing, the building on Brunswick (Garrison something or other I think..?), MEC, MetroPark. Nearby are more buildings like Salter's Gate and several new infill buildings by the Hydrostone, not to mention the extensive Gladstone development. And of course the blog poster steered clear entirely of areas like Spring Garden Road or King's Wharf...

[worldlyhaligonian]

This development wasn't scheduled to start until 2012 anyway right?

[resetcbu1]

This development wasn't scheduled to start until 2012 anyway right?

I thought the same thing, and complete 2014-15, but may be wrong?

[Haliguy]

I thought the same thing, and complete 2014-15, but may be wrong?

I believe this is correct.

[RyeJay]

As this project was not due to begin construction until perhaps mid-2012, we still have some time to play with here.

I'm disappointed by this news of tenancy difficulties for the Nova Centre, but will keep my hopes high during the winter months--in which time we may observe a better conditioned market.

I'm also hopeful with news of the developer's willingness to switch to residential. It's not a loss; you can always convert to commercial at a later time.

[Dartboy]

As this project was not due to begin construction until perhaps mid-2012, we still have some time to play with here.

I'm disappointed by this news of tenancy difficulties for the Nova Centre, but will keep my hopes high during the winter months--in which time we may observe a better conditioned market.

I'm also hopeful with news of the developer's willingness to switch to residential. It's not a loss; you can always convert to commercial at a later time.

I have no issue with the conversion to residential if that is what makes sense or a combination. One tower Business and one tower resdiential. What I questioned aloud a year ago or so was if this developer was financially stable enough to support this project. Others comment that the city will request a performance bond on very small tenders but yet we were moving money the other way on this deal. I am now again questioning if the developer can back this p[roject and can prove he can cover any cost overruns as he originally promised and that becomes a moot point if he goes under. Too much uncertainty and risk right now on this project. expecially for the reward.

[fenwick16]

The story below was in the Metro News.

(source and full story - http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/1050953--still-no-tenants-for-nova-centre)
Still no tenants for Nova Centre
Centre’s future may hinge on world economic markets

ALEX BOUTILIER
METRO HALIFAX
Published: December 15, 2011 12:41 a.m.
Last modified: December 15, 2011 12:46 a.m.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks said he’ll be returning his attention next month to the proposed convention centre project for downtown Halifax.

But the fate of Joe Ramia’s Nova Centre may already be outside the province’s hands.

Estabrooks said Ramia showed considerable patience with the three levels of government as they worked out a $163.4-million funding deal for the project.

The provincial government is returning the favour.

“I’m keeping track of the days,” Estabrooks said yesterday. “(But) Joe was very patient with us through the negotiation period … and we’re going to continue to be patient with him. It’s a top priority for me, though, as January appears on the horizon.”
.
.
.

[beyeas]

The story below was in the Metro News.

(source and full story - http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/1050953--still-no-tenants-for-nova-centre)

I think that possibly the only small hope for this is whether instead of strictly financial tenants, if they can attract some of the higher end companies that may set up to service things for the ship building (e.g. some of the high tech companies that will be working on the technical systems etc).

It is pretty clear that with everything going on in Europe that financial companies are sitting on the pause button.

[Jstaleness]

Also, to go along with the above story.

An Art project will fill the void for the time being.

http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/1051191--art-project-to-fill-gaping-city-hole

[someone123]

Hmm.. so for now instead of real businesspeople there will be fake businesspeople on the site. Have they thought to also add a few lighthouses to highlight the city's nautical heritage?

The financial industry stuff is sad. Unfortunately NS is often behind the times, and the government is even worse than average, so normally by the time they step in the party's over. When an industry is at its peak the government think "hmmm... that X type stuff seems hot these days. We should have that!", then they proceed to implement their schemes while the "hot" pyramid schemes and bubbles collapse. In another 5-10 years they will probably start talking about "social network" stuff and throwing money at tech startups.

The shipbuilding contract is good news but will it create many downtown office type jobs? Maybe there will be sales or lobbying type efforts from small offices of major companies that will locate in Halifax? Maybe some subcontractors would locate downtown? It seems unlikely that many software or engineering companies would lease brand new prime downtown space. Traditionally engineers are sequestered in dungeons. Maybe they could attract these companies by building more floors underneath the planned semi-subterranean convention centre space. :)

The one big reason why I expect this will all somehow work out is that there's a lot of government money on the table. Rank has a huge incentive to somehow tap into that.

[q12]

Hmm.. so for now instead of real businesspeople there will be fake businesspeople on the site. Have they thought to also add a few lighthouses to highlight the city's nautical heritage?

The financial industry stuff is sad. Unfortunately NS is often behind the times, and the government is even worse than average, so normally by the time they step in the party's over. When an industry is at its peak the government think "hmmm... that X type stuff seems hot these days. We should have that!", then they proceed to implement their schemes while the "hot" pyramid schemes and bubbles collapse. In another 5-10 years they will probably start talking about "social network" stuff and throwing money at tech startups.

The shipbuilding contract is good news but will it create many downtown office type jobs? Maybe there will be sales or lobbying type efforts from small offices of major companies that will locate in Halifax? Maybe some subcontractors would locate downtown? It seems unlikely that many software or engineering companies would lease brand new prime downtown space. Traditionally engineers are sequestered in dungeons. Maybe they could attract these companies by building more floors underneath the planned semi-subterranean convention centre space. :)

The one big reason why I expect this will all somehow work out is that there's a lot of government money on the table. Rank has a huge incentive to somehow tap into that.

Jordi Morgan on NEWS 95.7 sounded like this morning he had a sense from somethings he's heard that this should be going ahead in the next couple months. He sounded like he wasn't worried about it.

I agree for the amount of government money involved I still think this really has a 100% chance of happening.

[pblaauw]

Poll: No thanks on convention centre (http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/46988-poll-no-thanks-convention-centre)

[someone123]

Poll: No thanks on convention centre (http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/46988-poll-no-thanks-convention-centre)

Assuming we care about direct polls on particular issues like this (chances are that zero correspondents had in-depth knowledge of the project -- this is part of the reason why we elect representatives in the first place!), the reality is that 42/50 is a good breakdown when you consider the perception that this is a project for Halifax.

Consider what the percentage breakdown would be if they did a survey about whether or not to do the $25M (or whatever it was) Bowater bailout.

It's easy to imagine a situation where you have one project for region A, one for region B, and one for region C and none of them ever have widespread support because people only vote parochially for the project in their own backyard. In situations like that it does not make sense to cancel projects because they are not universally supported.

[q12]

This poll (https://conventioncentreinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/HCC_Quant_Final_October_2011.pdf) was conducted in September 2011. The shipbuilding contract was awarded since then. The poll is meaningless.

http://www.news957.com/news/local/article/314835--government-minister-calls-convention-centre-poll-dated

Save the view of the refinery was preaching on the radio that the CC will be detrimental to our tourism. We may never see a tourist again in Halifax because of this. Oh the humanity. Think of the children! Won't somebody think of the children!

[RyeJay]

The poll's data holds no value.

The shipbuilding contract has made a definite impact on Nova Scotians (and I don't just mean Haligonians). I'd like to see fresh polling on both population groups, actually. I've gathered that people in Halifax are optimistic about the recent progress-- but throwing a September poll at us is insulting.

And though someone has less bluntly mentioned a probably lack of knowledge amongst the general public regarding this project, I'm confident of the uneducation of those surveyed.

Even fresh numbers, at best, may serve as a political compass. The numbers are not indicative as to whether or not the convention centre makes business sense.

[halifaxboyns]

Convention centre no 'white elephant'

An opinion piece on the Wall Street Journal’s website that portrays convention centres as “fancy white elephants” was greeted with a shrug by officials at the World Trade & Convention Centre in Halifax on Thursday.

“What we are developing for Halifax cannot in anyway be compared to what is happening with the trade show industry in the United States,” Scott Ferguson, Trade Centre Ltd.’s president and chief executive officer, said in an interview.

Ferguson said Trade Centre Ltd. is continuing to turn away significant conferences and conventions for Halifax due to the diminutive size and age of the existing facility, and that trend is only expected to accelerate with organizers of big gatherings in Canada taking their business elsewhere.

The opinion piece slammed convention centres in the United States received some aggressive email circulation in Halifax. It was the topic of the day on Jordi Morgan’s morning talk show on HalifaxNews 95.7.

“The U.S. market is entirely different than the Canadian model,” said Ferguson. “American cities have gone after big stand-alone complexes measuring in the millions of square feet, and each city continues to try to outsize the other with the size of their convention centre.”

Arguments favouring a replacement for the existing 50,000-square-foot Halifax convention centre cannot be undermined by data referring to some of the world’s biggest trade show complexes in major American cities, he said.

“We’re basically at capacity once the main room is booked, allowing us to handle only one event at a time, and again, we’re talking conventions and conferences, and not the big international auto and electronics shows.”

The article critical of convention centres that appeared Tuesday was a condensed version of an article by urban affairs critic Steven Malanga of New York City. The piece appeared originally in City Journal.

The rest of the story is here (http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/business/49066-convention-centre-no-white-elephant).

[someone123]

Yeah, this stuff is tricky because on the one hand you have to be skeptical of exceptionalism, but on the other hand it really is a somewhat different story.

The Nova Centre proposal is really not on par with what they build in places like Las Vegas, and it is not very speculative because Halifax already has a convention centre that is at capacity. It's unfair to characterize this purely as a "build it and they will come" scenario.

Partly convention centres should be viewed as a type of local infrastructure, similar to the library or maybe some kind of performing arts space. I think if it can be 60-70% justified based on the economics of attracting events then it's probably worthwhile, because there is a benefit in having meeting space available to the city and having important events take place there.

Too often there's an attitude that the benefit of an event in the city is 100% tourism dollars from hotels, restaurants, and taxi trips. That is not true at all and I resent how Halifax is often presented as a "tourist town" when that's such a small part of the overall economy. For something like, say, the Tall Ships event, the biggest benefit is that locals living in Halifax can go see it. For an academic or business conference, one important benefit is the advantage to local businesses and universities/labs/faculty that become "hosts".

[halifaxboyns]

The comment I posted to the CH were a reminder of the STV non-sense. But what their research did show was that Canada's convention market is indeed different than the US's. Ours is stronger.

[resetcbu1]

We seem to have a growing economy, while their economy seems to be suffering more and more every day. I would also imagine that they have a saturated market down there as they have a lot of convention centers in one area or city, especially in and plays out like Las Vegas where there are nothing but hotels everywhere. I believe even as their economy strengthens ,we will grow our economy much quicker in the future and therefore will have more of a need to be able to hold such conferences in modern state of the arts buildings, as we have become an international economic force, while the Americans trend the other way.

[Northend Guy]

This from news957.com website:

Convention centre decision expected in March
Scott Simpson Jan 19, 2012 13:49:08 PM

The developer behind the downtown Halifax convention centre project expects to have a decision within the next 60 days.

The deadline has been extended several times, with tens of millions of dollars already commited by the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Last summer, developer Joe Ramia said he hoped to have tenants for the financial centre above the convention levels signed on by mid-November.

That date came and went, and Thursday ramia told News95.7 he hopes to have a decision on whether to go forward or not within 60 days.

[RyeJay]

March 19.

Here's hoping the Nova Centre has tenants by then; otherwise, we could be looking at some bold changes as to what will be built at this site (which may then be several smaller buildings instead of a conventions centre).

[SekishikiMeikaiHa]

Also, to go along with the above story.

An Art project will fill the void for the time being.

http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/1051191--art-project-to-fill-gaping-city-hole

Creepy...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6871110675_a3e9e2ce1b_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6871095583_2607e5b9f8_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6871097915_1c11a6db0a_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6871100907_e42faa14c7_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6871102509_6d3497dbea_b.jpg

All photos taken by me.

[q12]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6871110675_a3e9e2ce1b_b.jpg


:previous:
He froze waiting for the bus...

[Wishblade]

lol its like some kind of massacre or something....

But seriously, what an awful plight on the downtown. As if the empty hole wasnt bad enough. But, atleast signs are pointing in the right direction for this thing.

[cormiermax]

Looks like a bunch of scattered garbage. Is there any news on this one?

[MonctonRad]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6871097915_1c11a6db0a_b.jpg

Looks like Dresden after the firebombing........ :rolleyes:

Lets hope the Nova Centre gets on track soon so that this urban blight can be quickly eradicated! :yes:

[Empire]

Creepy...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6871097915_1c11a6db0a_b.jpg

All photos taken by me.

Is this some sort of pit where they throw the drunks bounced out of the liqour dome?

[-Harlington-]

So instead of building an office tower it looks more like they bombed one .

[Dmajackson]

I think you stumbled upon Mayor Kelly's secret pit! All of his enemies and competition ends up in there tortured by the decline of 'Old Downtown'! :haha:

I wonder how long until the heritage nuts declare these manikins "historical pieces of art"?

[Halifax Hillbilly]

Looks like a zombie apocalypse. Or an art installation that got really beat up by wind, rain and snow. Creepy indeed.

Wouldn't the approval of TD Centre and the resumption of Waterside Centre hurt this project? I would assume they are all going after the same type of tenants, and the first two projects are a go. If I needed office space I'd rather sign with a sure thing. The office vacancy rate downtown is quite high and there are two developments first in line. Doesn't look promising.

How long will the developer drag this out before going to his plan b, which is apparently mid-rise residential, with some retail and office? I really hope the government doesn't hop in and directly subsidize the office towers or hotel. I don't think it would happen, but it would be a horrible precedent.

[halifaxboyns]

I thought Kelly did like the italians do and make them part of bridge abutments. :)

[Northend Nerd]

Here is a Mini Documentary I saw on Twitter about the artwork and the development.

http://vimeo.com/36788017

[spaustin]

Looks like a zombie apocalypse. Or an art installation that got really beat up by wind, rain and snow. Creepy indeed.

Wouldn't the approval of TD Centre and the resumption of Waterside Centre hurt this project? I would assume they are all going after the same type of tenants, and the first two projects are a go. If I needed office space I'd rather sign with a sure thing. The office vacancy rate downtown is quite high and there are two developments first in line. Doesn't look promising.

How long will the developer drag this out before going to his plan b, which is apparently mid-rise residential, with some retail and office? I really hope the government doesn't hop in and directly subsidize the office towers or hotel. I don't think it would happen, but it would be a horrible precedent.

The sad part is if Rank had gone with Plan B there would probably be a crane onsite right now.

[Wishblade]

The sad part is if Rank had gone with Plan B there would probably be a crane onsite right now.

We shouldn't have to settle for less. Even if the process takes longer, it'll be worth the wait for the end result. Besides, The developer should be stating whether this is going through or not anytime.

[RyeJay]

We shouldn't have to settle for less. Even if the process takes longer, it'll be worth the wait for the end result. Besides, The developer should be stating whether this is going through or not anytime.

Aside from the relatively quickly approved expansion of the TD Tower, the resumption of the Waterside Centre has been very long in-waiting. Although office vacancy rates are high, this will undoubtedly fall in several years even with Halifax's horrible downtown tax rates. The forecasted demand due to the shipbuilding contract combined with the city's recent proposal and construction activity has helped with developer confidence. This bodes well for the private sector.

I'm also worried about the Nova Centre breaking ground -- but not as worried if this development were not so supported by all three levels of government. Hopefully when spring arrives that art mess will be gone, along with part of the ground :)

[kph06]

We must be pretty close to this deadline now?

[RyeJay]

March 19th.

I'm fervently wishful they begin construction this year. The delays have already extended a likely opening of the Nova Centre to sometime in 2016. Having this project as part of Halifax's skyline would greatly lift the esteem of the city, especially for the 2017 centennial.

[someone123]

It will be interesting to see what happens. The developer has a huge incentive to make this work because of the government money.

If they do start this up this year there will be a ton of construction underway downtown on some really key sites.

[fenwick16]

I am disappointed that Rank Inc. hasn't put more effort into their website. It has been a one page "Website Under Construction" with a few images and three paragraphs of text for the past few years. Here is a link to their website - http://www.rankinc.ca/ http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4864/rankwebsite.jpg

For such a major development, I would expect something more like the King's Wharf website which had a wealth of information before construction even began. There is so much information that could be posted about the new convention centre such as floor plans that were previously presented and specifications on the number of meeting rooms, convention hall size, ballroom size, etc.

[RyeJay]

I agree, Fenwick. It does strike me as odd, especially since the material you're mentioning was released quite some time ago.

The website, or webpage rather, simply looks lazy.
But I won't take this as a bad omen.

[worldlyhaligonian]

I agree, Fenwick. It does strike me as odd, especially since the material you're mentioning was released quite some time ago.

The website, or webpage rather, simply looks lazy.
But I won't take this as a bad omen.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it... the quality of the website is not even relevant to what's happening (or not) with this development.

[kph06]

I find a lot of developers are behind the times when it comes to websites, if they even have one. Slowly it seems like they are starting to realize the value.

[resetcbu1]

I just can't belive how little we have heard on this development. After all the exitement leading up, I feel diaspointed at this point. Guess it's just wait and see.

[RyeJay]

Tomorrow, we should know more :)

If the developer is still having trouble with commercial tenants, as has been previously reported, perhaps mostly everything can be residential? Renovating to commercial is always an option in the future. If parts of the Nova Centre were to remain commercial, however, securing tenants before the completion of construction is likely, given the city's growth.

Since so much time has elapsed, I wonder if this will mean any design changes, again?

[someone123]

Hmm.. still no news.

This may have been posted a while ago but I found an interesting PDF of a Rank presentation that was given to council: http://halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/101109cow3rank.pdf

About mid-way through the documents are some renderings I haven't seen before. The one that shows the Nova Centre along with 3D models for the surrounding blocks is quite impressive. If built it will totally transform a 12 block area.

I look forward to the day when Prince Street from the Citadel to the waterfront is an uninterrupted 9 block stretch of interesting buildings. For that to happen both the Nova Centre and Queen's Landing would have to be built.

[RyeJay]

No news yet. Throw us a freakin bone already!

[kph06]

Councillor Harvey is speaking about the YMCA proposal and mentioned the Nova Centre and how it was allowed under rule 89 allotting a height increase with added community value. He noted how there has been no news about the project and that he thinks council should set a "sunset date" with council's involvement with the convention centre.

[RyeJay]

Councillor Harvey is speaking about the YMCA proposal and mentioned the Nova Centre and how it was allowed under rule 89 allotting a height increase with added community value. He noted how there has been no news about the project and that he thinks council should set a "sunset date" with council's involvement with the convention centre.

After so much waiting, I'm actually glad this was mentioned. I'm not expecting anything drastic by council, but this at least may help press the developer and governmental bodies to release more information.

If the Nova Centre doesn't have tenants yet, then simply say so. There are other options.

[someone123]

It would be nice to hear more news, but I'm not sure there's a lot about tenant negotiations that could be said publicly and hasn't been said already.

Something else to keep in mind is that a lot of the delay with the Nova Centre was related to the provincial and federal governments. It isn't really fair to fault a developer for a few months of planning after a shaky period of two or three years of uncertainty.