[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[ChampduLarge]

Any of this, almost, would be quite exciting. Libraries have become something that many Canadian cities are building anew as major cultural projects (Calgary, Saskatoon, Halifax, Ottawa and no doubt others) and I honestly think that a single admirable standout building in Moncton would do a huge amount to change the image of the city. I would hope for at least some space for an art gallery within the building as well. Understanding that this is conceptual I will wait to see what happens, but I am pleased by the thought being given to this. I know I was perhaps expecting more in terms of announcements in 2025 ... perhaps 2026 will be our golden year?

[josh_cat_eyes]

Another thing I noticed is Downing Street is now not shaped like a V. The Ashford development looks like it has taken up more space on downing. Was there any part of the renderings that showed what the waterfront could look like west of the Gateway development?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

Another thing I noticed is Downing Street is now not shaped like a V. The Ashford development looks like it has taken up more space on Downing.

Good observation!

I did not notice that. You're right. I don't know the significance of this departure from design, but, in it's original iteration, Downing was a mixed use corridor and primarily a pedestrianized street, and a people space with food trucks etc. In this waterfront plan, a lot of those functions have been moved south of Assumption. Perhaps this is why.

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

Was there any part of the renderings that showed what the waterfront could look like west of the Gateway development?

I do have a broader rendering of the entire riverfront as far west as the Brenda Robertson Bridge. I did not post it since these is little change. I did ask one of the presenters at the open house about the Hal Betts Sportsplex, and he said there would be an addition of a "field house." The render does show such a building in the middle of the ball field complex, but, it seems quite small, therefore would not appear to be a field house in the traditional sense. I'm not sure what it's function would be. Perhaps it will be a service building for the ball field complex. It appeared that the parking lot at Hal Betts will be paved.

[new kid in town]

I know not all of this are likely to happen, but I do appreciate that they are considering really bold and unique architectural styles. As long as there is vision for improvement, I know we'll get there eventually. I don't expect any big momentum until the Gateway Towers and, despite not in the same area in the photos, Infinity are completed/nearing completion. And of course, the project between Westmorland and Downing would have to be underway as well.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

I know not all of this are likely to happen, but I do appreciate that they are considering really bold and unique architectural styles. As long as there is vision for improvement, I know we'll get there eventually. I don't expect any big momentum until the Gateway Towers and, despite not in the same area in the photos, Infinity are completed/nearing completion. And of course, the project between Westmorland and Downing would have to be underway as well.

The biggest roadblock will be the "civic cultural building." The city will need a real visioning exercise to determine exactly what it (and the public) want. Will it be a relocated library, a performing arts centre or a modern art museum? will it be two or all three of the above??? Once this is figured out, then a design competition can be held. After this, then funding will have to be secured, and this will require federal and provincial commitments, and presumably a private fundraising campaign. The municipal contribution to such things is rarely above 33%.

A signature building will probably be over $100M, and the cost will be enhanced by certain design elements like the plaza overhanging the shoreline of the river.

All this will take time. Optimistically, I doubt we will see much movement on this before 2035. In the meantime, the Gateway Towers will be built and Infinity will be completed. I am optimistic we will see the new city market/convention space underway within a couple of years. The new street in behind Assumption Place will be part of this.

The major variable (in addition to the civic cultural building) will be the Ashford development. I have intelligence that planning work on the building is well underway. This project is not moribund. I am also aware of intelligence that the final product will be surprising in it's scope. The final nature of the Ashford project may be somewhat dependent on whether or not the cultural building is built. This might affect tenant mix. I will not say anything more in order to not place sources at risk.

[Mud]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

Another thing I noticed is Downing Street is now not shaped like a V. The Ashford development looks like it has taken up more space on downing. Was there any part of the renderings that showed what the waterfront could look like west of the Gateway development?

I like this better. That V with roundabout they were planning would've been worst of both worlds; wonky design for motorist and effective loss of what is currently a pedestrian-friendly area of downtown.

[josh_cat_eyes]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Good observation!

I did not notice that. You're right. I don't know the significance of this departure from design, but, in it's original iteration, Downing was a mixed use corridor and primarily a pedestrianized street, and a people space with food trucks etc. In this waterfront plan, a lot of those functions have been moved south of Assumption. Perhaps this is why.



I do have a broader rendering of the entire riverfront as far west as the Brenda Robertson Bridge. I did not post it since these is little change. I did ask one of the presenters at the open house about the Hal Betts Sportsplex, and he said there would be an addition of a "field house." The render does show such a building in the middle of the ball field complex, but, it seems quite small, therefore would not appear to be a field house in the traditional sense. I'm not sure what it's function would be. Perhaps it will be a service building for the ball field complex. It appeared that the parking lot at Hal Betts will be paved.

I wonder if Downing will still function as a major pedestrian street, but in a seasonal or event type capacity. We shall see.

Would it be possible to see the rendering further to the west? Does it have an extension of assumption on it?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

Would it be possible to see the rendering further to the west? Does it have an extension of assumption on it?

I could post it, yes, but you would be disappointed. Not much change.

No, they did not include an extension to Assumption.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by josh_cat_eyes

Would it be possible to see the rendering further to the west? Does it have an extension of assumption on it?

As requested, here is a close up of the Hal Betts Sports Complex.



The white building in the middle of the complex, surrounded by parking is labelled as a "field house", but, it's footprint is not much larger than a baseball infield, so I can't imagine it being a field house in the traditional sense. I could see it containing locker rooms, washrooms and perhaps a canteen, but not much else. The parking lot looks better organized and seems paved.



This is the former landfill between the Brenda Robertson and Gunningsville Bridges. It remains pretty much as is, although one of the trails has been upgraded to an "active transportation trail", and therefore may be paved to allow for a better surface for bicycle commuting. Somewhat incongruously, there is a small "Park 'n Ride parking lot on the east end of the landfill site. I find this odd. There are a couple of small adjacent buildings.

[LewisVillis]

Those eyesore self-storage buildings, holdovers from the rail days, are gone, which would be great. I've walked, biked and jogged those landfill trails for years and there's a lot of potential there. (I'm I the only one who remembers that area being dubbed "Mt Rideout"?)

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

As requested, here is a close up of the Hal Betts Sports Complex.



The white building in the middle of the complex, surrounded by parking is labelled as a "field house", but, it's footprint is not much larger than a baseball infield, so I can't imagine it being a field house in the traditional sense. I could see it containing locker rooms, washrooms and perhaps a canteen, but not much else. The parking lot looks better organized and seems paved.



This is the former landfill between the Brenda Robertson and Gunningsville Bridges. It remains pretty much as is, although one of the trails has been upgraded to an "active transportation trail", and therefore may be paved to allow for a better surface for bicycle commuting. Somewhat incongruously, there is a small "Park 'n Ride parking lot on the east end of the landfill site. I find this odd. There are a couple of small adjacent buildings.

[MonctonRad]

CTV Atlantic new article and video about the new Riverfront Master Plan:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...erm-plan-to-upgrade-downtown-waterfront/

I can absolutely guarantee you that this article arose because the reporter viewed posts on this topic here on SSP and at Retail Talk & Share. The reporter was in contact with Jeff on Facebook, and secondarily with me.

[Monctoncore]

Because it’s downtown I’m looking at… Why is our google maps so dated? I noticed Summerside for example is almost up to date with this year. The map shows the new roads. Etc.

[MonctonRad]

If this all transpires as envisaged, this small 3-4 block area will be the active beating heart of the downtown core.

- city hall
- city market
- city library
- performing arts centre
- provincial law courts
- convention/conference centre
- principle downtown hotel (Delta Beausejour)
- the two principle office buildings in town (Assumption Place & Blue Cross Centre)
- whatever Ashford has in mind (large mixed use development of some kind with 1-2 highrise buildings)

I have a sneaking suspicion that "Building D" might be being marketed as a downtown UdeM campus for their law school. It is after all right next to the provincial law courts. The original downtown plan showed it as an "educational building."

This will be a powerful combination. This must happen. Downtown would be bookended by the city hall district on the east and the Avenir Centre entertainment district on the west. What an incredible one-two punch that would be! The future of downtown Moncton would be secured.

It it important to ensure the "cultural building" gets built, and that there are no impediments to the Ashford/Downing project.

[MonctonGoldenTri]

I presume the Chamber of Commerce would relocate to one of the new buildings?

[MonctonRad]

A new contemporary art gallery is coming to downtown Moncton. Iceberg will be located in the Blue Cross Centre, presumably off the atrium.

This should be a good location for them.

[jonny golden]

I have a sneaking suspicion that "Building D" might be being marketed as a downtown UdeM campus for their law school. It is after all right next to the provincial law courts. The original downtown plan showed it as an "educational building."

It would be great to have the UdeM law school downtown, and it makes a lot of sense being so close to the law courts. I think that the students would be OK with being downtown, especially in the future when the area is more vibrant.

If UNB could expand their Moncton presence beyond the nursing program, they'd also make a fantastic addition to the downtown.

[new kid in town]

I'm currently working for UNB Moncton and there are no rumblings of such, sadly. I do wish UNB expands their presence here. It only makes sense.

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I have a sneaking suspicion that "Building D" might be being marketed as a downtown UdeM campus for their law school. It is after all right next to the provincial law courts. The original downtown plan showed it as an "educational building."

Although a cool idea, I'd be astonished to see this actually transpire. The UdeM main campus is less than two kilometers away, there is no real incentive for the huge costs associated with this. UNB would make way more sense as their eyesore building downtown seems in dire need of an upgrade.

Is this pure conjecture or have you ever heard anything suggesting this as a possibility?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by NBNYer

Is this pure conjecture or have you ever heard anything suggesting this as a possibility?

I have no intel. This is just a hunch.

UNB is (or has) moved their law school downtown in Freddy close to the law courts. There was no particular reason for that either,

FWIW, there is also a downtown building for UNBSJ next to King's Square as well.

I agree that the current UNB building in Moncton is an embarrassment (former muffler shop or some such). UNB however seems positively allergic to the concept of any meaningful presence in our city. The only reason why they are here in the first place was because the Moncton Hospital had pre-existing training programs in nursing and medical x-ray technology that UNB inherited, and, apparently don't know what to do with. They certainly don't go out of their way to support these programs. UNB Moncton is like Harry Potter, hidden in the cupboard under the stairs - if nobody sees him, does he really exist???

[lirette]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I have no intel. This is just a hunch.

UNB is (or has) moved their law school downtown in Freddy close to the law courts. There was no particular reason for that either,

FWIW, there is also a downtown building for UNBSJ next to King's Square as well.

I agree that the current UNB building in Moncton is an embarrassment (former muffler shop or some such). UNB however seems positively allergic to the concept of any meaningful presence in our city. The only reason why they are here in the first place was because the Moncton Hospital had pre-existing training programs in nursing and medical x-ray technology that UNB inherited, and, apparently don't know what to do with. They certainly don't go out of their way to support these programs. UNB Moncton is like Harry Potter, hidden in the cupboard under the stairs - if nobody sees him, does he really exist???

The UNB building is inside the old Oulton College campus (i went there in 2008). I don't want to make everything a development opportunity but man if they ever moved their campus that would instantly one of the most prime plots of land in the core, especially with the new riverfront plan.

It would be great if we could get some serious university or college campus downtown. Great for foot traffic, and i could see why UdeM putting a law campus/building down there would help raise their profile along with the proximity to the courts. Would be great to get some younger folk into the core as I'm sure most of these condo buildings skew closer to retirement ages.