The Halifax Regional Municipality hosted an event today launching the Cogswell District project.
“The Cogswell District is the biggest city-building project in the history of Halifax,” says Jacques Dubé, Chief Administrative Officer. “It will connect the vibrant downtown region to the historic north end and the picturesque waterfront – creating a stronger, more inclusive network of communities.”
The Cogswell District project will convert 16 acres of road infrastructure into a mixed-use neighborhood, extending the entrance of the downtown northwards and reuniting communities separated by the interchange lands. The urban street grid will be reinstated and will create development blocks capable of supporting new residential and commercial environments for 2,500 people. High quality dedicated cycling lanes, multi-use trails, new parks and open spaces, a reimagined transit hub, and a significant central urban square will transform this traffic-centric area into a livable pedestrian friendly area for people to live, work, and play.
The completion of the Cogswell District project is expected to cost approximately $122.6 million (gross). This project has the potential to be primarily self-funded in the long term once construction is over and the redevelopment of the area is completed. The sale of land, utility cost sharing, and the subsequent property taxes will help off-set the front-end investment and generate long-term recurring revenue for the municipality.
“This project is designed to reflect the aspirations of our community – to be a prosperous, growing city that cares about the environment and the wonderful mix of people who contribute to the life, culture, and personality of place that sets Halifax apart” says Mayor Mike Savage.
The project’s pre-construction phase, which started in mid-September, is expected to last three months. Fully mobilized construction will begin in winter 2022. The construction phase of the project is expected to take up to four years to complete.
Construction of three by-pass roads is currently targeted for completion in spring 2022. A construction schedule for the by-pass roads will be shared once it has been finalized and residents will be provided advance notice regarding impacts to traffic, to allow for proper route planning.
By-pass roads #1 and #2 will modify north-south traffic through the construction site, while by-pass road #3 will modify east-west traffic. These by-pass roads are necessary to enable construction zones to be set up within the project site.
Featured image: The Cogswell District project will convert 16 acres of road infrastructure at the Cogswell Interchange into a mixed-use neighborhood, extending the entrance of the downtown northwards. (Photo courtesy: Halifax Regional Municipality)
