Asper Granted 12 Month Extension
A new home for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers is still on track. David Asper, the man who plans to build a new stadium at the University of Manitoba Thursday announced he's been granted a 12-month extension by the Winnipeg Football Club to allow progress to continue on a new CFL stadium and companion retail development at Polo Park. Asper remains as confident as ever he can make it happen. The extension agreed to by all stakeholders follows the signing of letters of intent with two major U.S. retailers interested in anchoring what Asper is called The Elms Collection, a 650-thousand square foot upscale shopping destination to be constructed on the site of the current stadium. Once complete, the Elms will serve as the new stadium's economic engine to ensure the project is primarily paid for by the private sector and not taxpayers. Ken Hildahl, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Blue Bombers said the organization remains behind Asper's plan, and dedicated to construction of a new stadium at the University of Manitoba. Asper says next steps will focus on finalizing lease arrangements with those two U.S. anchor tenants, and then launching an extensive marketing campaign to attract the supporting junior anchor and boutique retailers. He hopes the stadium can be completed by 2012.
source: CJOB