Herald site eyed for WTC
RACHEL MENDLESON
Metronews - Halifax
The blueprint for a multi-use development for the Chronicle Herald site is nearly complete. But the developer says he’ll contemplate starting fresh if the property qualifies to house a new World Trade and Convention Centre.
“Hypothetically, if it fits with our plans, yes, we would consider it,” Joe Remia, director of Rank Inc. said.
The city and province made a joint call Tuesday for expressions of interest for a convention centre to replace the Argyle Street facility.
Following the announcement, Mayor Peter Kelly listed the Chronicle Herald grounds among several possible sites, including the Emera property, the Cogswell Interchange and Pier 21 lands.
The expression of interest document will be released some time in the next two weeks. At that time, Remia says he’ll decide whether to officially throw his hat in the ring.
“I need to see if it would suit and what the requirements are. Of course we’re going to take a look,” he said. “I think Halifax is a great convention city, personally.”
Redrafting the plans however, would set him back substantially.
Before Tuesday’s announcement, Remia says he had intended to seek a development agreement in the next couple of weeks.
“Right now what we have is a multi-use project, which entails retail, residential, hotel and office,” he said.
He says he expects the current tenants to be moved out by late summer or early fall. With the demolition permit in hand and an environmental assessment completed, the building could be knocked down while the development agreement process is taking place.
Trade Centre CEO Fred MacGillivray said Tuesday Halifax’s inability to accommodate large conventions means business has gone to other cities instead.
“It’s time for us to move to the next level if we’re going to compete with other convention facilities across Canada,” he said.
rachel.mendleson@metronews.ca