[Moncton] Downtown Developments - Page 268

MonctonRad · #**5341** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 12:43 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

So, a new "temporary" home for SNB, right on Main Street. The plan apparently is to have a "totally new customer experience" back in Assumption Place later on. I wonder what this means? Is this just a refurbishment of their current space, or are they planning something more impressive. There is that construction fencing on Westmorland right next door, and across from Gusto. I wonder if an expansion is in the plans, with a real street front presence on Westmorland Street? That would indeed be very nice.

Work has begun on the construction site on Westmorland Street immediately adjacent to the (now vacant) SNB location in Assumption Place. Coming hard on the heels of the announcement above, it would seem reasonable to speculate that an addition is indeed in the offing for SNB, and this might give a street presence on Westmorland.

Retail Talk & Share Photo

jonny golden · #**5342** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 12:55 AM**

It does seem likely that it related to an SNB expansion. Would they consider SNB ground floor space with residential above? Just a one floor build here seems like a missed opportunity.

Monctoncore · #**5343** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 2:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny golden

It does seem likely that it related to an SNB expansion. Would they consider SNB ground floor space with residential above? Just a one floor build here seems like a missed opportunity.

Let’s just say the government hasn’t been the best when it comes to development. Moncton High School, the new school going in front of Mcnaughton... Also look at some of their dare I say less inspiring public buildings across the province that they have built. Let’s just hope that they didn’t have to much say in this one

MonctonRad · #**5344** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 3:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny golden

It does seem likely that it related to an SNB expansion. Would they consider SNB ground floor space with residential above? Just a one floor build here seems like a missed opportunity.

I wouldn't hold my breath on it being an architectural masterpiece.

It is government commissioned build. That should say it all.

There will be no second floor residential. I think that is a given. You might see a two storey facade facing the street to give the expansion a bit of a street presence, and for a place for signage. That would be the most I would hope for.

NBNYer · #**5345** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 9:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I wouldn't hold my breath on it being an architectural masterpiece.

It is government commissioned build. That should say it all.

.

Lets just hope it’s not a large blank brick wall facing Westmorland.

josh_cat_eyes · #**5346** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 1:37 PM**

Know what downtown needs? It needs more colour and more architecturally significant buildings. 585 Mapleton is a perfect example. It’s only 3-4 stories but it’s a really nice modern looking building. Medical buildings don’t need to worry about a pandemic because they still have people working there, you can’t work from home in that kind of field.

As for the government building, we can only hope that since Ashford owns assumption place, that they are building a significant building, with Service NB on the main floor, perhaps attached to assumption place.

jonny golden · #**5347** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 1:53 PM**

I wonder if the Service NB project absolutely has to be an expansion of the existing location? Or could they build a completely new office for them and repurpose the existing space? Also, it will be interesting to see what eventually happens with the space where they're temporarily setting up SNB. That was the federal govt. office for BDC who moved to 1234 Main St. The commercial real estate market is really soft right now, but I don't know what else would make sense for that property .

BlackYear · #**5348** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 2:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feneant

What makes no sense is during the pandemic they have a multi hour long lineup forced to wait outside, are they now going to have it running down Main St.? It's ridiculous to offer such a terrible level of service in 2021, the improved part should be that they are moving the majority of their services online and whatever else they keep has a much larger automation component.

Hasn't going to SNB or in the old days, Department of Transportation for auto permits, plate pickups, registration renewals, etc been a horrible experience every day for the past 40 years? Even in modern 2021, it still seems a horrible experience each time we walk in there for whatever service we need. Either double up if the staff or start opening more locations.

Riberview · #**5349** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 3:29 PM**

I would think if this was an expansion or addition of any consequence, it would have been before City Council at some point for approval.
That this hasn't happened leads me to believe this will be nothing more than lipstick on a pig.

MonctonRad · #**5350** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 3:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riberview

I would think if this was an expansion or addition of any consequence, it would have been before City Council at some point for approval.
That this hasn't happened leads me to believe this will be nothing more than lipstick on a pig.

If a variance isn't necessary, it wouldn't definitely require city council blessing.

Having said this, I don't expect this is a major addition, no.

MonctonRad · #**5351** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 5:17 PM**

Just got an IM from a contact.

The work on Westmorland Street is apparently related to the Happy Brew Pub. They are laying some new pipe for improved plumbing.

lirette · #**5352** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 5:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackYear

Hasn't going to SNB or in the old days, Department of Transportation for auto permits, plate pickups, registration renewals, etc been a horrible experience every day for the past 40 years? Even in modern 2021, it still seems a horrible experience each time we walk in there for whatever service we need. Either double up if the staff or start opening more locations.

I don't think they've thought this through at all. So far every time I've walked by there's by 5-10 people waiting outside. It's going to be 25-35 mm of rain Friday with zero cover outside and people almost always have paperwork with them.

A more logical move would be to have found a way to combine it with Service Canada inside heritage court. The building has a ton of empty space and Service Canada is never busy. Not really sure on having Federal/Provincial services in the same spot but I dont see why it couldnt be done.

The entire DMV experience needs to be rethought.

Nashe · #**5353** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 5:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Just got an IM from a contact.
The work on Westmorland Street is apparently related to the Happy Brew Pub. They are laying some new pipe for improved plumbing.

Originating at The Pumphouse? Or Tide & Boar?

MonctonRad · #**5354** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 5:57 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vorkuta

Originating at The Pumphouse? Or Tide & Boar?

Seems like a lot of excavating machinery for a little plumbing job. You might be right!

jonny golden · #**5355** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 6:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vorkuta

Originating at The Pumphouse? Or Tide & Boar?

And at the same time doing sub grade work for any future building they're planning for the site? Assuming they don't expand the SNB space.

Riberview · #**5356** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 10:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

If a variance isn't necessary, it wouldn't definitely require city council blessing.

Having said this, I don't expect this is a major addition, no.

Fair but would require a permit and would've hit your radar I'm sure

MonctonRad · #**5357** Posted **Mar 24, 2021, 11:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riberview

Fair but would require a permit and would've hit your radar I'm sure

Not necessarily. PAC and city council agendas and minutes are public. The granting of permits by the city is not.

Riberview · #**5358** Posted **Mar 25, 2021, 2:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Not necessarily. PAC and city council agendas and minutes are public. The granting of permits by the city is not.

Thank you for clarification

MonctonRad · #**5359** Posted **Mar 28, 2021, 4:46 PM**

There's an article in the T&T about the renovations (reconstruction) ongoing at the old Orange Hall at the NW corner of St George & Archibald Streets.

The owner is David Ford (Ford's Pharmacy), so I have no doubt he intends to do a good job with the renovations. The quotation about "luxury apartments" warms my heart. The rehabilitation of St George Street continues...........

The article itself is behind a paywall.

David_99 · #**5360** Posted **Mar 28, 2021, 4:58 PM**

The top floor will feature 4 luxury apartments, 3 of them lofts and 1 an accessible apartment. The middle floor is being prepared for an operational centre of an as-of-yet unknown company and the main floor will house a cafe. The main floor and basement will also house a multi-purpose experience centre where people can taste wine, make cocktails or learn to cook.