Quote:
Originally Posted by 240glt
^ As a former community league director and stakeholder in the area, from all the meetings and surveys and focus groups that were conducted, the overwhelming majority of Edmontonians don't want to see the site sit fallow. Kansas City is a shining example of what not to do, and so you'll see a major push to have the building demo'd as soon as possible.
They're going to parcel up the property, the EEDC will take control of the Expo Centre which isn't even 10 years old and a really nice facility, but both the old racetrack and coliseum's fate is the next question. I think without a doubt, the racetrack will be razed and the whole south lands will be reverted back to housing, as it's close to LRT, lots of amenities and one of Edmonton's oldest and nicest parks. The coliseum lands are a little tougher because it's a triangle bordered by a major roadway, the LRT tracks and a roadway underpass. Just west of there is a mix of older homes in need of demolition, quite a few infill developments and some big parking lots.
A lot of companies are moving towards a campus style work environment, that might be the best thing to try and attract interest. Or a big multi-sheet arena complex that will fill the need for ice sheets in the city, as they're planning on shutting a few other sheets in the downtown area down soon as well
For Northlands itself, they're apparently going to try and refocus on the agricultural base it started with, which may not be such a bad idea. They already run a commercial urban farm and have lots of agricultural programs. It would be a shame to see Northlands disappear completely as it is a historic component of Edmonton, but we like to destroy historic stuff around here so I wouldn't be surprised if it's just quietly folded up over the next while
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The Expo Centre is one of the few positive elements of that immediate area and I'm glad to see the EEDC take control of it. I agree (and hope) that the racetrack will be razed and be developed for housing, as you said its a spot with good amenities and will be attractive to a lot of people. Hopefully more professionals and families moving there would spur some life.
I really don't want to see Rexall Place just sit there and rot away. It has a rich history and was home to one of the greatest hockey dynasties to ever exist, however when I look at it now (and I imagine for many others) it's a symbol of a city that for so long was stuck in it's once gloried past and dwelled in that when Edmonton created for itself a reputation as a place with little development, a barren downtown and stuck in time while other cities made a name for themselves. Edmonton is shaking off the reputation and some great things are happening in the city now, however that rink and immediate area just helps to show that the dark ages were here and real not long ago.
The market doesn't really exist for two arenas (especially with the new community rink at Rogers place) and so I think demolition is not only inevitable, but encouraged.The multi-sheet arena complex isn't a bad idea, but I think its not anything remarkable. I think the lands can be turned and used into something better but in all honesty I don't have a better idea off the top off my head; the awkwardness of the lot doesn't help.
I also think its good to see Northlands focus on their agricultural roots and hope they succeed, as you said they are an important part of Edmonton's history. However for so long it was almost as of Northlands ran the city and called all the shots, I think most people couldn't care less what happens to them as they are a bureaucratic relic of a past that many want to forget.
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