New life for landmark
Considering the amount of time and money being poured into the transformation and revitalization of Union Station, it only makes sense that the city should ensure it becomes a 24-hour “culinary, cultural and retail” attraction and not just a utilitarian transport hub.
That’s why a proposal for a fresh food market and space for cultural events beneath the Great Hall at the station is such a wonderful idea. The goal is to attract local residents from condo towers around Union Station — as well as the 70 million commuters and tourists travelling through it each year.
The plan, approved so far by Toronto’s government management committee, builds on the success of mixed-use models at stations in New York City and London. More than 30 per cent of the economic activity at New York’s Grand Central Station, for example, is generated by people living in the vicinity.
Travellers needn’t worry that the new plans will clash with their needs. Peak commuter times cover only four hours of the day. The proposed new market space is designed to become a destination the other 20 hours. “The transportation needs will be met,” said Councillor Janet Davis, who supported the proposal.
Nor do commuters or Toronto residents need to worry that the beautiful public space will become just another boring mall. Imagine instead a 35,000-square-foot fresh food market and restaurants comprising 60 per cent of the space with high-end shops and space for cultural events in the rest.
Making the plan even more attractive is that the proposed $37million additional construction costs will not be borne by the city. Osmington, the company that manages and leases space in the transportation hub, will fund the total cost of the additional development with the city paying back its 40-per-cent share of the costs down the road out of increased revenues.
Getting the most bang for the buck also makes sense considering that the project’s price tag has climbed to $800 million from $640 million.
The entire proposal — one which would integrate Toronto’s busiest transport hub with the surrounding high-density neighbourhood — is exciting, never mind sensible. Indeed, an outdoor market held in the Sir John A. Macdonald Plaza in front of Union Station was a hit last summer. “It showed the station can be a destination in off-peak hours,” said Osmington’s vice-president of development, Brad Keast.
This is a plan that will benefit both travellers and nearby residents, while enhancing one of the city’s historic buildings. City council should support it.
Plans for a fresh food market and space for cultural events at Union Station get thumbs up