Quote:
Originally Posted by hfx_chris
I think we need to re-list all of the possible sites that have been mentioned in this thread, and try not to take constructive criticism of sites too personally.
The ones I can think of off the top of my head:
Those are the ones I can remember being mentioned, whether seriously or not seriously discussed, in this thread. Perhaps we can fill that in with any others (I know there are some; somebody mentioned a rock quarry, but I can't remember where) - and maybe start listing some site descriptions, transportation accessibility (both car and transit), pros and cons, etc.
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Good effort in posting all the map locations. I like quite a few of these locations but realize that some have no chance of being selected because of the local opposition that would occur.
Willow Park (DND) - This is my top pick. Pros - good highway access, good transit connections, has some of the feeling of the "essence of Halifax" being in an old part of the city close to the Halifax Explosion ground zero, many surface parking spots close by, sufficient space if a significant amount of the DND salvage yard could be obtained. Cons - I honestly can't think of many negatives except that it would be better if there were an additional 50 - 100 feet of width (but this could be rectified if the NSLC building could be obtained)
Shannon Park (DND) - Pros: There wouldn't be much opposition to a stadium at this location, it could be an appealing site with the old residential buildings torn down, good highway access and lots of space available Cons: The public transportation is almost non-existent and there are few amenities close by (such as restaurants).
Wanderers Grounds - I would consider this is a no-go even though it would be a great location. Pros: Fantastic location next to the Public Gardens and Citadel, it could be the Wanderers Grounds Stadium with a historic background and close to downtown with lots of restaurants and hotel rooms Cons: This site would result in overwhelming opposition and sufficient parking is not available within walking distance (at least not without climbing hills from the downtown core).
Gorsebrook Field- Pros: Sufficient space for a stadium, close to SMU and Dalhousie Universities, nice area, and the contour of the land would be idea for a sunken bowl stadium Cons: It would likely be too close to hospitals to permit concerts and the public school at that location would have to close before being available.
Huskies Stadium (SMU - renovation) - Pros: It has a tenant (Huskies) that is already located in Halifax, just fair public transit, within walking distance to many in Halifax and it is in appealing location. Cons: Not much space available without an overhaul of the campus buildings, concerts would likely be opposed at that location, very little available parking and rather poor road access.
Mainland Commons - Pros: Appealing location, a recreation area already exists in that area, good highway access, it has some amenities such as restaurants at Bayers Lake shopping area and West Mall, and it has fair public transit connections Cons: I can't think of any other than it is not very close to the historic part of Halifax and it is not really a central location for people in Dartmouth.
Northcliffe Centre - Pros: It is an appealing location fairly close to Halifax and it has good access to the 102 highway Cons: This is essentially a residential neighbourhood so there would be massive opposition, there isn't much available space without expropriating homes, there aren't many parking spots in the area and there are few restaurants and other amentities.
Marginal Road next to the Via Station - Pros: This is a very appealing location in terms of its proximity to old Halifax and the universities Cons: A stadium would require the parking spaces currently needed for the Pier 21, farmer's market and Cunard Centre, and it has poor road access and public transit.
Woodside area - Pros: Good views of Halifax, good highway access and the land is relatively cheap Cons: People would have to take ferries from Halifax or drive cars, and there are almost no public amenities in the area.
A few others:
Exhibition Park area - Pros: Good Highway access, the land would be relatively cheap and there wouldn't be much opposition. Cons there aren't many public amenities (except at Bayers Lake) and it is to far from the urban center.
Shearwater - I think this is similar in pro's and cons to the Woodside area.
The West Mall area - Pros: Good highway access, lots of parking in the area, probably there wouldn't be strong opposition to a stadium, good public transit, good central location, close to public amenities and fairly close to the historic part of the city. Cons: I can't think of any except I wonder if there is available space and the land cost is probably not cheap.
Dartmouth Crossings - Pros: Lots of space is available, there is a quarry that is already excavated for a sunken staium, if the quarry could be used then it would likely be very cheap land, good highway access and lots of parking (but it is mostly retail parking which would be in use during many events) Cons: Poor public transit from both Dartmouth and Halifax (maybe this has changed?) and it is on the outskirts too far from the historic center
My personal order of choice would be:
1) DND Willow Park - military salvage yard
2) The West Mall area
3) The Mainland Commons
4) Dartmouth Crossings
5) Shannon Park (it is not a top choice of mine because it is primarily accessible only by car)