Nova Centre gets go-ahead to start construction
Posted Jul 24, 2013 07:42:18 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax regional council has approved a request to allow the beginning stages of construction of the Nova Centre before the final design is approved.
After consulting with the public, design of the new convention centre has had some considerable changes which include having the building extend over Grafton Street instead of being underground, and having wider, but not taller, towers.
Although excavation work has been underway for sometime, council approved the unique request to kick start underground construction, which includes two parking lots and the lowest level of the convention centre.
Developer Joe Ramia said if they were to wait the eight months of final design approval, they would miss their January 2016 target opening.
Jennifer Watts was the only councillor to vote against the ammendments saying other developers have complained about an unfair advantage for this one specific site.
Councillor Matt Whitman pointed out this could be an opportunity to extend the perceived advantage to other firms saying, “If this is something we can do for one developer, let’s try to expidite this type of process for other developers”.
The city will now bring the report to the province who will give the final go-ahead.
All three levels of government are puting in funds towards the downtown Galifax building, which will include a convention centre, retail and office space, as well as a hotel.
