The landscape of Moncton’s riverfront continues to change.
The City received a proposal from John Lafford of J.N. Lafford Realty Inc., an established developer, to acquire City-owned land for assembly with landholdings at 1 – 7 Foundry Street (PID 70261581). The proposed site, as assembled, would accommodate a major riverfront mixed-use development project.
The land is located at Assomption Boulevard and Foundry Street.
“It’s the former location of the Northumberland Dairy, and also a former location of an auto centre. It’s currently zoned Central Business District zoning, and there are options for the developer to redevelop the property. The developer wants to continue to invest in the downtown, and we’re certainly pleased to see that, especially where the developer has made significant investment already in the community,” City of Moncton Economic Development Director Kevin Silliker told Council Members this week.
Lafford plans to build two 17-storey apartment buildings.
“We think that we have a signature Gateway project with the potential of a riverfront anchor and a riverfront destination that will maximize both city and public benefit. It is a $90 million investment, a $90 million building permit. It’s a podium-style building with two 17-storey towers, between 380 and 400 residential units, including market affordable units. There will be more than 11,000 square feet of commercial space, including a wellness and Recreation Area. There will be a Pedway connecting the towers with structured and underground parking, with approximately 356 parking spaces,” Silliker says.
Ten to 25 per cent of the units are expected to be market affordable.
The current plan also includes an open concept with a public right of way and entrance to Riverfront Park, which Silliker felt was an important part of this project.
“That is going to be a signature part of this. It will feature an active, animated riverfront interface with a patio terrace and landscaping. The developer has a very significant landscaping plan here. There’s potential for groundwork to begin in the fall of 2024 should the project be approved, with foundations in 2025 administratively.”
Image: submitted by City of Moncton
He adds these buildings will also assist with public safety because of the extra residents, eyes and ears and additional lighting on the Riverfront.
Silliker adds being so close to the ball fields, there is no plan to disrupt the action on the Hal Betts fields.
“I’ve also worked very closely with Parks and Recreation and our operation group. In speaking with the developer, there’s a consideration for putting netting along the third baseline of the field. Obviously, there may be some foul balls, and we certainly avoid collision as best as possible. We know there have been lots of communities built around baseball fields or ball fields built in downtown, but certainly, we see this as extra value and value added to those fields.”
Moncton City Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the land sale.
