NB 554
May 11, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The provincial government will support the City of Fredericton in its plans for a major new downtown-development project between Queen and King streets, Premier Bernard Lord announced today.
The province's support for the project involves selling land to accommodate construction of a convention centre, and an agreement in principle to work with the city in the development of a new 13,500-square-metre (about 150,000-square-foot) office building next to the centre.
"We are very pleased to support the growth and economic development of Fredericton," Lord said. "By working with the city on this important new project in our provincial capital, we will be assisting the municipality in attracting other future investment opportunities, while also boosting our overall efforts to make New Brunswick the investment province, one of the goals of our Five-In-Five Initiative."
The land arrangement involves the province selling to the city a portion of vacant land it owns adjacent to The Playhouse to make way for construction of the new $5-million convention centre. The new centre will be functionally integrated into the city's overall development plans for the downtown.
"This is more great news for Fredericton and the capital region," Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said. "I want to thank Premier Lord for his personal attention to this matter, as well as his ministers and senior provincial officials for their co-operation."
The City of Fredericton unveiled a conceptual plan for the east end of Fredericton's downtown in November 2004. The plan included a 2,250-square-metre (25,000-square-foot) conference centre attached to The Playhouse, and a parking garage for 650-700 vehicles.
The construction of both facilities was recommended as part of several different studies showing a shortage of parking in the downtown's east end, as well as the need for a facility that could host meetings and cultural and community events.
"As this key project for the city moves forward, we will continue to work with the municipality in its development plans," Lord said. "This strategic partnership will allow us to work together in enhancing downtown Fredericton and our provincial capital, and to generate greater opportunity and greater prosperity in the region for years to come."
In January 2006, a consortium of companies led by ADI Ltd. was engaged by the city to conduct programming and master planning for the new conference centre. A final conceptual plan is expected to be unveiled in July 2006.
06/05/11
MEDIA CONTACTS: Communications, Office of the Premier, 506-453-2144; Judy Cole, communications officer, Department of Supply and Services, 506-457-7903; Wayne Knorr, public affairs, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2181.
06/05/11
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