DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
Owner receiving interest in Senator’s Place building in Glace Bay.
There soon may be something new on Senator’s Place — a “sold” sign.
Owner Wayne Weatherbee said although the building hasn’t been listed for sale he has been approached by several organizations interested in purchasing the downtown Glace Bay site.
“There’s nothing signed yet but I have received some inquiries,” he said. “I’ve had two or three different organizations that want to buy it.”
Weatherbee said the building offers 56,000 square feet of space.
“I’m interested in seeing the development of the Main Street in downtown Glace Bay more than ever.”
Weatherbee built Senator’s Place in 1992. At the time the property was home to many businesses including the MacRae Block and the Glace Bay Hotel.
“I think there was also a restaurant of some sort in there and another business as well,” he said. “There were about four different properties there at the time that I had to buy. It was a huge project.”
In1989, the town of Glace Bay moved its offices out the Old Town Hall which needed repair and was utilizing the former heavy water plant.
Weatherbee approached the
town about the proposed development because municipal officials were looking for a new home in the downtown core. The town signed a 20-year lease with Weatherbee and council chambers and offices were housed on the top floor of Senator’s Place.
After amalgamation in 1995, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality maintained an office in Senator’s Place where bills could be paid until 2003. It also sublet space to the Nova Scotia Community Services and Children’s Aid.
Other businesses leased space over the years including Glace Bay Travel and former Donkin Mine owners Xstrata.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Public Health office as
well as Service Canada are currently in the building.
A new vision for the building is welcomed by Mike Kelloway, chair of the economic development group bayitforward.
“I’m excited to hear interested parties are looking at buying the building and utilizing it for different services and businesses.”
Kelloway said he’s been in the building and talked to people who are knowledgeable about infrastructure.
“They call that ‘a world-class building with a world-class view,’ especially on the top two floors overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the skyline of Glace Bay.”
Kelloway says the Citizenship and Immigration buildings in Sydney are at maximum capacity.
“Might there be an opportunity … for the federal government increasing (its workforce) at this world-class building in Glace Bay with more people needed to process immigration claims?
“I think it speaks to the rejuvenation of Glace Bay and area and that we can make good things happen.”
Kelloway credits Weatherbee for entertaining the possible sale of the building.
“Whether it be for education, the service industry or product sector, let’s make good things happen in that building. It is a fantastic building.”