Former Pelham arena for sale on real estate market
The Town of Pelham is making its second attempt at finding a use for the former arena on Haist Street.
Closed earlier this year as a result of the completion of a new $36-million community centre in Fonthill, the 42-year-old facility was initially available for takeover through tendering, but no bids were received on the 3.5 hectare parcel of land and its aging sports complex.
Now, the site is for sale in the real estate market for slightly less than $3 million.
A public input process began last year and the majority of residents showed support of allowing the property to be converted for single-family housing, while maintaining 45 per cent of the site for public ownership of open space, an enhancement to the Steve Bauer Trail, its soccer fields, a playground, and the potential for a splash pad.
The “antiquated and dilapidated” building will be demolished at the expense of the developer, when one is secured, said Mayor Dave Augustyn.
The property has only ben on the market for a few days, but the mayor is optimistic that a homebuilder will be interested in adding to the neighbourhood and knocking down the aging arena.
“The thing is falling over,” said Augustyn.
“We’re hoping folks will come forward and start demolishing that building, converting it into homes to match the rest of the neighbourhood,” he said Friday afternoon.
He said some opposition is lingering in the community over what the town’s plans are for the beloved arena, but the feedback received shows that 13 singledetached dwellings, three of which would front onto Haist Street, and 28 rear-lane access townhouses, and two parking lots consisting of 16 spaces each, is what people are behind.
“It’s the best use for the property because it’s what the community came up with,” said Augustyn.
The property at 1120 Haist Street is listed with Colliers International Niagara Ltd.
The new arena off Highway 20, the Meridian Community Centre, was completed this summer and will welcome guests to an official grand opening on Sept.
15.