1 August 2008
Train Station Report to Determine Cost of Converting
Local Landmark
Two A.L. Gullison employees make their way toward the back of
the old train station on York Street on Thursday afternoon. The company was hired to board up windows and secure part of the
surrounding fence.
Frederiction New Brunswick - A study on the cost of
converting the decaying York Street train station is expected to be ready by the end of the month.
"The study is moving forward. It should be completed by late August," Doug Motty, executive director of Enterprise
Fredericton, said Thursday.
Proponents of the historic station's revitalization are anxious to see the report.
"There are too many dollar figures being tossed around, and the study should provide a firm estimate of costs," said Steve
Boyko, president of the Fredericton Friends of the Railway.
Estimates have ranged from $1.3 million to $2 million.
Motty has said it needs an accurate figure.
The study is being conducted by ADI Ltd. of Fredericton.
The deteriorating state of the station has long been a point of local concern.
Development of the area appears more likely with the move of the bottle exchange that was next door. Some had indicated the facility
was an impediment to development.
Refurbishment of the rundown station has been tied to development of a commercial project.
J.D. Irving Ltd., the property owner, estimates it might cost up to $2 million to bring the heritage site up to the structural and
architectural standards expected by Heritage Canada.
The York Street train station is listed as one of Canada's 10 most-threatened heritage sites by the Heritage Canada
Foundation.
An office complex project proposed in 2002 was the best contender for a revitalization of the property, but the project fell through.
An anchor tenant, reportedly a call centre, was ready to sign on, but the deal was derailed after the potential customer received calls
and letters from a single protester.
In 2005, J.D. Irving received an expression of interest on restoring the structure.
It was offered $1 for the train station.
J.D. Irving signed a formal letter of sale, but the prospective buyer backed out.
Workers were at the station Thursday to replace a board on a window and ensure the perimeter fence at the site remains
secure.
|
