Train station salvation?
Published Saturday March 14th, 2009
Source | NB Liquor could open new store on historic property
NB Liquor could give new life to Fredericton's abandoned train station.
The Daily Gleaner has learned that government officials are having the Crown corporation look into the possibility of opening a new liquor store at the site as part of a revitalization of the property.
Sources say any decision on the project is at least six months away.
"They're just looking at it right now," said one well-placed insider. "But there has to be a business case for it."
The provincial liquor corporation has no plans in hand to do so, but it isn't dismissing the possibility.
"We do not have a proposal in front of us or on the table with regards to the downtown train station. It's something we'd be prepared to look at if it fit into our plan," said Nora Lacey, manager of communications for NB Liquor.
Lacey said the liquor corporation would need to have a budget for the project approved by its board of directors.
"There's nothing formal in front of us. We'd all like to see something done with the train station, for sure, (as it's) such a historic landmark in our city," she said.
The train station property has been the cause of community consternation for some time in the capital.
Built in 1923, it's protected under federal heritage legislation that bars owners J.D. Irving Ltd. from tearing it down.
The cost of rehabilitating the historic structure has been pegged at up to $2 million. The company has said it isn't feasible to do that work without a major development in the area.
Rehabilitation of the former train station building is a requirement for development of the surrounding land.
The opening of a new downtown liquor store would mark something of an about-face for the liquor corporation.
The Crown corporation faced a barrage of criticism when it closed the King Street liquor store Jan. 26, 2008.
Many said the decision was short-sighted, given the level of tourism and convention activity in the downtown.
Lacey said any new foray into the area would have to be assessed on a business level first.
J.D. Irving wants to redevelop the station as part of a commercial or office development along that area.
In recent years, company officials negotiated with developers, talked to prospective tenants and even signed a letter of sale after being offered $1, but so far nothing has materialized.
A redemption centre that sat adjacent to the train station, and which was considered an impediment to commercial development in the area, was torn down last year.
Liz Burge, president of the Fredericton Heritage Trust, said she hopes to see the train station revitalized.
"The Fredericton Heritage Trust is looking forward to seeing a train station development in context of development of the whole block of land," she said.
Officials with J. D. Irving had little comment on the matter.
"We continue to pursue opportunities for a site development that would enable the estimated $2-million restoration of the train station. For confidentiality reasons, we are unable to comment on any discussions with potential partners in a development project on the railway site," said company spokesman Geoff Britt.
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Thata makes no sense, propably the other way around. Why would a corner store price booze so no one could afford it, when you could go down the street and find someone who would not?