Ontario Construction News staff writer
With an archeological study continuing on the historic Allandale Station in Barrie, the city is considering turning the redevelopment project over to a private operator.
“(In 2015) staff were directed to design and construct an event centre and express restaurant space, which would then be marketed to interested parties to operate; with the significant passage of time and changing market conditions, staff believe that it would be more appropriate for a private operator … to best meet their specific business needs,” Jason DeVroom, facilities capital project supervisor wrote in a letter to council.
Staff is developing a plan to hire a private operator to “design and develop” the interior space of the buildings.
“All redevelopment work must adhere to heritage restrictions necessary to maintain the character of this important historical and very visible waterfront asset,” DeVroom wrote.
“To achieve this, staff will develop a clear set of conditions. Furthermore, city staff would oversee the work. This alternative approach is believed to provide a better outcome for a future tenant while also allowing the transfer of budgeted construction costs to the private operator.”
An archeological study is in progress at the site after bone fragments were discovered. It is expected to more than over $3.3 million.