Convention Centre Expression of Interest Process Concludes
The province and Halifax Regional Municipality have concluded the expression of interest process for a new convention centre in downtown Halifax.
"A new convention centre would allow Nova Scotia to attract more world-class events, and the economic benefits they bring, to our province," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "This project would allow us to stay competitive and expose more people to all that we have to offer."
"Our existing convention centre has served us well over the years, resulting in millions of dollars annually in direct and indirect economic impacts for our community," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "HRM is interested in examining, in more detail, ways in which a larger facility could contribute to the continued growth of our economy, while contributing to our community's reputation as leaders in the hosting of world class events."
Six proponents submitted expressions of interest, and, of those six, the Rank Group and the Hardman Group were short listed. Subsequently, HRM determined that the Cogswell Street site, included in the Hardman proposal, will not be made available for a convention centre, based on the principles outlined in HRMbyDesign. Rank proposes using a site it owns, the former Halifax Herald site.
The province and HRM will now work to develop a detailed project plan with cost estimates and financing options in order to facilitate a detailed analysis of potential benefits, risks, funding models and governance options associated with a new convention centre. Based on this information, if the project is approved, the Rank Group will be invited to submit a detailed proposal for consideration by the partners. The province and HRM would retain a consultant to prepare an independent detailed cost estimate to compare with the Rank proposal.
Since 1984, conference visitors to Halifax have injected more than $2.2 billion in direct spending, generating 42,600 years of employment and $97 million in tax revenues to support municipal and provincial programs.
According to the call for expressions of interest, the new convention centre will be located in downtown Halifax, with about 150,000 square feet of meeting space and be able to accommodate multiple large and small events at the same time.