Halifax considers 3 towers for Quinpool Road, Robie Street
Westwood Developments and APL Properties hope to build developments near former St. Patrick's High School
The intersection of Quinpool Road and Robie Street could be undergoing a major redevelopment as the Halifax Regional Municipality considers an agreement process for three new towers in the area.
Westwood Developments Ltd. is hoping to build an 18-storey tower at 2032 Robie St., where Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home used to be located.
Meanwhile, APL Properties Ltd. is hoping to build two towers — 11 and 22 storeys — at 6009 and 6017 Quinpool Rd.
"This is a really dramatic moment for Quinpool Road in terms of this end of the street and what development could be," said Coun. Jennifer Watts.
Halifax regional council will decide this week if a development agreement process — which could take upwards of one year — should begin for both projects.
Karla Nicholson, the general manager of the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association, said her members believe the redevelopments will be good for the area.
"It's really exciting in terms of bringing feet to the street and bringing up a bigger population base," she said.
The projects may involve the demolition of the former St. Patrick's High School building, which opened its doors 59 years ago. It now sits, mostly unused, after the Flexible Learning and Education Centre programs were relocated last year.
The former school property, worth about $7 million, is owned by the Halifax Regional Municipality and is in the process of being discarded. It will cost approximately $3 million to demolish the building.
The preference of planning staff is to demolish the building and construct a commercial and residential space on the property.
The report on the St. Patrick's High School site is expected to be ready for regional council within a few months.