The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by RaginRonic

Monctoncore, you'll have to try again on your pics....they're not displaying. =P

It's odd, when he first posted them last evening I was able to view them, but now they're gone........

[Monctoncore]

I will try again using a different photo site. I was issuing my google photo’s and it’s showing up on here when I look, but I’ll try again through Flickr.

[DyAm00394]

Interesting discussion over on Retail Talk & Share NB on Facebook.


In the comment section on this post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1690502684515770/permalink/2484303245135706/



There is some possibility that Cineplex will expand the SJ theatre and possibly house an IMAX.

I was thinking, is it possible for an Imax in Saint John? Because rumours are that Mark's (located next to Cineplex on McAllister Drive) is moving to McAllister Place. And there are other rumours that Cineplex will expand over into Mark's space, if they move. (Below, I provided a "before" screenshot of the current site plan and a "after" - of what I think the rumoured expansion should look like). So do think it's possible? Also, for more space they could also "kick out" Subway. (and Subway can move to East Point or something).

It would be feasible for them to take over Marks location as it would be able to add more stages to view add an addition of the IMAX and more times for movies I can’t see them needing to kick out subway though if anything Cineplex could make a deal with the subway brand and bring them in to their food court to provide a “healthier” Choice for food

And Subway is aparently moving too. And Mark's is moving to the McAllister Place in March 2020.

Subway is also leaving. The current manager has confirmed this. They are building one with a drive thru.

Interesting, I think this might add to the possibility that Cineplex is indeed planning for an expansion. I wonder where the new Subway will re-locate to? I think somewhere in East Point maybe.

The Manager didn't say. Just that they have been actively looking for a new spot for about a year now. But yes - Cineplex is definitely expanding, and its a very good possibility it'll be an Imax when the renovations are done. Marks moves into McAllister Place March 1st. So we will probably see some quick movement on this building after then.

Also, Someone commented on this post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1690502684515770/permalink/2484220231810674/ of thinking McAllister Place should stay in the grocery game, and someone comment to them (the same someone who also gave the info about Subway leaving McAllister Drive and Cineplex is indeed expanding) said that McAllister Place is apparently going for more of a up-scale look like Halifax Shopping Center with the redevelopment of the former Sears. And will look really great when it's done.

I'm just hoping that McAllister Place will stay in the grocery game....there's still money in that. If a No Frills store opened there(I don't ever see a 2nd Atlantic SuperStore opening in the East Side of Saint John), that'd be good enough for me. o.o

I don't think we will ever see a No Frills at McAllister Place. With the expansion and renovation taking place they are going for a more upscale look and vibe, like Halifax Shopping Centre. It's going to look terrific when it's all done!

What are everyone thoughts about all this?

[Taeolas]

Imax for SJ is an interesting theory; I'm not quite seeing it, but I'm not ignoring it either.

A RecRoom is more likely IMO; but it does imply that Cineplex might be ready to pour some money into NB's Cinemas and get some long long overdue upgrades in the province.

I do wonder if they might be thinking of doing a 3-fer all at once; upgrade SJ, Moncton and Freddy all at once. Imax in all 3 isn't likely (Moncton most likely SJ somewhat likely I guess), but a RecRoom for all 3 cities wouldn't be unexpected.

[DyAm00394]

Originally Posted by Taeolas

Imax for SJ is an interesting theory; I'm not quite seeing it, but I'm not ignoring it either.

A RecRoom is more likely IMO; but it does imply that Cineplex might be ready to pour some money into NB's Cinemas and get some long long overdue upgrades in the province.

I do wonder if they might be thinking of doing a 3-fer all at once; upgrade SJ, Moncton and Freddy all at once. Imax in all 3 isn't likely (Moncton most likely SJ somewhat likely I guess), but a RecRoom for all 3 cities wouldn't be unexpected.

I think maybe it will be
- Moncton = IMAX.
- Saint John = Rec Room (or Playdium).
- Fredericton = Playdium (or Rec Room if SJ will be Playdium).

That way each city has one of the three and all three will be present in NB.

[Monctoncore]

[IMG]Untitled by 21c3b2803a80ebbed945f6f190bb0907, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]Untitled by 21c3b2803a80ebbed945f6f190bb0907, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]DSC_2332 by 21c3b2803a80ebbed945f6f190bb0907, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]DSC_2309 by 21c3b2803a80ebbed945f6f190bb0907, on Flickr[/IMG]

Here are some photos from a recent stop in Saint John.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

I think maybe it will be
- Moncton = IMAX.
- Saint John = Rec Room (or Playdium).
- Fredericton = Playdium (or Rec Room if SJ will be Playdium).

That way each city has one of the three and all three will be present in NB.

I remember reading somewhere recently that Cineplex had very good financials in the last quarter. They may be in the mood to spend some money.

[JHikka]

Would be surprised to see an IMAX in SJ. RecRoom seems more likely. If Mark's and Subway are moving then it would make sense to acquire that area and reconfigure how the theatre is set up. The current parking lot/entrance area is a bit of a mess. Would make sense to reconfigure the theatre so that the new entrance is where the current concessions/Mark's are now.

[RaginRonic]

That grocery game comment was mine, for the record. And I still do believe that for McAllister Place.

Also, nice to see the pics, Monctoncore....and that one of the Irving Oil Building taken on Charlotte St.? Pure brilliance there, given the Fundy Fog helps to make it a bit brooding. =)

As for Cineplex, this reno for the Saint John location would end up happening during it's Silver Anniversary year, as it opened on March 3, 1995, which was a Friday.

=P

[Ire Narissis]

Interestingly, that's where the original entrance was but they moved it around the building for reasons I cannot quite fathom. I guess to have their own dedicated parking?

[DyAm00394]

TD Bank acquires the naming rights to Harbour Station.
(And part of this five-year sponsorship agreement, is that Harbour Station is going to be renamed!).


News article about it: https://huddle.today/td-bank-acquires-na...DWS69yElT299tQgXwMkye3aNDBRhBjIQseL2nXk4

[RR Drummer]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

TD Bank acquires the naming rights to Harbour Station.
(And part of this five-year sponsorship agreement, is that Harbour Station is going to be renamed!).


News article about it: https://huddle.today/td-bank-acquires-na...DWS69yElT299tQgXwMkye3aNDBRhBjIQseL2nXk4

Excellent! People can have their opinions but corporate sponsorship helps the bottom line, operations costs, etc. IMO it also enhances the experience by fan engagement not to mention a broader exposure to the team, game, event, arena, city, etc. I applaud the sponsorship & fully endorse it.

[Franco401]

Originally Posted by RR Drummer

Excellent! People can have their opinions but corporate sponsorship helps the bottom line, operations costs, etc. IMO it also enhances the experience by fan engagement not to mention a broader exposure to the team, game, event, arena, city, etc. I applaud the sponsorship & fully endorse it.

How does this improve anything for fans? Broader exposure to the city? What?

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Franco401

How does this improve anything for fans? Broader exposure to the city? What?

Partnering with TD provides incentives for its customers and consumers at the venue. Mentioned in the Huddle piece is that TD will be working with HS to provide a music series at events at HS throughout the length of the agreement. Most of the time it's just pop-ups and physical activations on site.

It also, you know, helps HS' bottom line, even if it's still a long way off.

[RR Drummer]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Partnering with TD provides incentives for its customers and consumers at the venue. Mentioned in the Huddle piece is that TD will be working with HS to provide a music series at events at HS throughout the length of the agreement. Most of the time it's just pop-ups and physical activations on site.

It also, you know, helps HS' bottom line, even if it's still a long way off.

Exactly, well said. Some things are tangible/measurable while others are not. That said I believe TD will put their money where their mouth is. They would not spend the money and sign up for the sponsorship if they did not deem it worth their while. They are a business first and foremost. I fully anticipate the fans, team, Harbour Station & Saint John will benefit immensely. Here’s to much success to this sponsorship.

[DyAm00394]

Rothesay Avenue is closed to all traffic at the railway overpass near Rothesay Road.


Source: https://www.country94.ca/2019/08/17/rothesay-avenue-closed-at-railway-overpass/

Crews will be reconfiguring the intersection and installing traffic lights.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says the closure is expected to last until Sept. 8.
Detour signage will be in place for motorists.

Source: https://twitter.com/Gov_NB/status/116096...say-avenue-closed-at-railway-overpass%2F




Another article about this: https://www.country94.ca/2019/08/14/east-side-intersection-will-get-traffic-lights/

An east Saint John intersection notorious for motor vehicle collisions is getting some major upgrades.
Traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and Rothesay Road over the coming weeks.
The work is welcome news for many, including one of the two city councillors who represent the area.
Coun. Ray Strowbridge said the intersection is unsafe and has been the site of many collisions over the years.
“You’re fighting for your life trying to get through there whenever you can punch a hole through the traffic,” said Strowbridge.
“It’s really challenging for the people that are waiting underneath the train bridge to get out onto the highway or onto the Rothesay Road.”

Strowbridge said he has raised the issue several times during his seven years on council but was always told it is a provincial project.
“I think what may be moving this forward now is because of the talk of ‘The Crossing’ development that may take place there as well as the overpass that the province talked about going over the highway from Ashburn Road,” he said.
Horizon Management Ltd. plans to develop a 72-hectare property bounded by Ashburn Lake Road and the Route 1 throughway.
The development would include highway services, business and commercial properties, community services stores, and a residential area.
In June of 2018, the previous Liberal government announced plans for a new interchange connecting Ashburn Lake Road and Foster Thurston Drive to support the development.
They also said new traffic lights would be installed at the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and Rothesay Road.

Strowbridge said the upgrades will improve safety and traffic flow, and drop the stress levels of drivers.
“I’ve been told by our own city staff that the actual configuration is not changing much but they’re going to be adding traffic islands and traffic lights and there’s going to be an allowance for a future pedestrian sidewalk,” he said.
City staff looked at installing a traffic circle instead of lights but found it was not a viable solution, said Strowbridge.
As part of the work, Rothesay Avenue will be closed at the railway overpass from Aug. 17 to Sept. 8.

[DyAm00394]

There is a new idea/proposal for the NB Museum.
https://huddle.today/hardman-group-promo...p-new-brunswick-museum-at-market-square/


https://marketsquaremuseum.com

[JHikka]

This plan makes some sense if there's a simultaneous plan for a new Convention Centre either at Fundy Quay or somewhere else in the Uptown. I'm not sure what the revenue generation aspect would look like if the convention centre and office expansion are replaced by an enlarged museum but I can't imagine it would be favourable.

[ColSJ]

It will be interesting to see if the province will allocate money in the 2021 budget towards the construction of a new overpass on Route 1 connecting Ashburn Lake and Foster Thurston. The traffic lights being installed at Rothesay Road and Rothesay Avenue are apart of the plan set out by the previous govt so perhaps Premier Higgs believes this project is worth the estimated 31 million dollars.

Also apart of the plan is to aline Ashburn Lake with Retail Drive which the city recognizes a business or businesses will have to move. Below I outlined the probable properties that would need to move. Both sides seem tricky, on one side there are train tracks and on the other residential space. I would have to guess the businesses on the north side of Rothesay Avenue closer to the highway will be getting the boot because there is more space and Northrup who are constructing "The Crossing" are there and I'm sure they'd like their offices in there new major retail/residential/commercial area.


[IMG][/IMG]

[Fischbob]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

There is a new idea/proposal for the NB Museum.
https://huddle.today/hardman-group-promo...p-new-brunswick-museum-at-market-square/


https://marketsquaremuseum.com

Interesting proposal - not sure where I stand on it.

Advantages:
- Much less expensive solution than the previous proposal; easier to fund and realize.
- Keeps a healthy level of occupancy at Market Square.

Disadvantages:
- Not nearly on the same aspirational level as the Fundy Quay proposal. We're going from Halifax Central Library-calibre transformational cultural facility landmark to a somewhat enhanced version of what the Museum already has.
- Functionally, I don't know if having the main entrance up by Union and St. Patrick makes much sense. Such an orientation turns its back on the better-suited public space of the Market Square Atrium and Trinity Royal. And I don't think the entrance on its own will be enough to make that any less of a dead corner. At the very least, a secondary entrance should be maintained at the existing location in the Atrium.

I'm sure this concept will be refined somewhat, as it's apparently something that was drawn up behind closed doors several years ago. I look forward to hearing more details about it.