[Haliguy]

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Expressions of Interest Sought for Development Opportunity
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The province and Halifax Regional Municipality are seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals or groups for a development opportunity that includes a new World Trade and Convention Centre as a core component.

There are a number of conditions that must be met by interested parties. Among them, the building must be located in downtown Halifax and it must have a minimum of 150,000 square feet of usable space. It must be able to host multiple large conventions and several smaller events simultaneously.

"This could be one of the most exciting things to happen to downtown Halifax in quite some time," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "The existing World Trade Centre has been an economic engine for the city and the province, but we are outgrowing the existing facility.

"As we continue to develop the downtown, it's clear more convention space needs to be part of the plan."

Since 1984, Trade Centre Limited has contributed an estimated $2.2 billion in direct expenditures, and $1.6 billion in incremental expenditures. It has also resulted in almost $100 million in tax revenues and employs 98 full-time and 300 part-time staff.

"HRM has the best of everything convention planners are looking for, from excellent dining and a vibrant nightlife, to rugged ocean vistas and peaceful getaways," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "It's no surprise that we are becoming more sought after as a convention destination of choice; a new facility could give us the capacity to welcome to HRM not only more, but even bigger conventions from around the world -- and we definitely want that business."

All expressions of interest will be evaluated and ranked against a pre-determined list of criteria. A committee will then produce a short list of respondents who may be invited to make a brief presentation. The next step would be to issue a request for proposals from short-listed candidates. The request would require more detailed information.

The expression of interest document will be available within two weeks from the Halifax Regional Municipality procurement office, 3rd Floor, Duke Tower, Scotia Square, 5251 Duke St., Halifax.

The World Trade and Convention Centre is owned by the province and operated by Trade Centre Limited.

Trade Centre Limited is a Crown corporation responsible for six business units, including the World Trade and Convention Centre.

Halifax Regional Municipality makes an annual financial contribution to the operation of the trade and convention centre.