The former
Moncton High School, built in gothic revival style in 1935 and decommissioned three years ago when a replacement school was built on the edge of the city, has been saved.
It has been sold to a local Moncton construction and property management company (Heritage Developments) by the provincial government for $1 million.
The auditorium (largest in Atlantic Canada) and gymnasium will be operated on a non profit basis by MH35, with the principal tenant being the
Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada. There will be plenty of room for rehearsal halls and back stage space in the former gymnasium. In addition to the ballet company, the auditorium will be used for certain theatrical performances and occasional concerts (as well as traditional MHS graduation ceremonies, which will continue to be held at the old school).
The remainder of the building will remain architecturally intact, and will be redeveloped for commercial use. There is a very strong rumour that TD Bank will be a major tenant as they have recently announced a new 850 employee customer service centre in Moncton. A second 350 employee tenant is also rumoured.
This is a big win for the city. There are three large Gothic Revival buildings in the city, and as recently as three years ago, the future for each of these buildings looked bleak. They are now all safe.
MHS - Heritage Developments (non profit arts centre & commercial development)
Cathedrale de l'Assomption - renovated as religious space (Catholic Cathedral), with Acadian non profits in the church basement
Castle Manor - renovated for high end condominiums.