Concept Design Released for Halifax Waterfront Project

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Concept Design Released for Halifax Waterfront Project

The Halifax waterfront may soon be home to a public park with a seasonal outdoor skating rink, an observation tower, a winter garden and a waterfront restaurant.

Waterfront Development Corporation Limited and The Centennial Group held a news conference today, April 8, to release architectural designs and information for a $75-million waterfront complex being proposed for land between Salter Street and Bishop Landing. The land is owned by Waterfront Development Corporation, a provincial Crown corporation.

The Centennial Group was selected as the proponent for this development in February 2004, following a request for proposals issued last fall. Waterfront Development Corporation and Centennial are currently negotiating the terms of a development contract. Upon finalization of those terms, a development agreement and series of public information sessions will be held as the project begins the approval process with Halifax Regional Municipality.

The proposed development also features a boutique hotel, retail and commercial outlets, residential units, a parking facility for more than 300 vehicles and enhancement of the public boardwalk and marine facilities. About 40 per cent of the total development area will be public open space.

Over the past 40 years, the Centennial Group and its affiliates, including Centennial Hotels Limited and Universal Group, have completed, own and manage major real estate developments -- including high-rise apartments, office buildings, commercial facilities and hotels -- in Halifax, Toronto and other Canadian cities.