November 23, 2009

Halifax makes progress on new convention centre

HALIFAX

The province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality have invited the Rank Group to submit a detailed proposal to develop a new convention centre in the city of Halifax.

“Development of a new convention centre is a major undertaking for both HRM and province,” said Bill Estabrooks, minister of transportation and infrastructure renewal.

“This is an important step forward in that process and will provide the proposed project details we need to make an informed decision.”

The Rank Group was selected as the preferred proponent earlier this year through an expression of interest process. A joint team from the province and HRM has developed detailed project requirements for the RFP.

In its proposal, Rank will be required to outline a design and facility management plan, financing plan and price.

“I am pleased that we are taking this positive step together toward the development of a new convention centre that will assist in driving the economy of this region, and indeed, the province,” said Peter Kelly, mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The proposal is due in February. The province and HRM have hired a consultant to prepare an independent detailed cost estimate to compare with the Rank proposal.

The information gathered through both proposals will be used to make a final decision on whether the project will proceed.

As the proposals are being developed, detailed estimates of economic benefits will be prepared and discussions will continue among all three levels of government about cost sharing for the project.

Similar projects in other parts of the country have cost between $100 million and $200 million.

A final decision on whether a new convention centre will be constructed in Halifax is not expected until after March.

-DCN News Services

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