TRURO - A new retail and office development on Wade Road worth at least $30 million could be reality within a year.
Halifax-based developer John Hampson has submitted an application to the Town of Truro to create the three-storey development, which would be modelled after Dartmouth Crossing and house an estimated 20 stores and up to 10 offices.
The proposed development, which would be located across from Kent Building Supplies and cover 140,000 square feet including parking and shipping lanes, is being considered by the Town of Truro and Colchester County because the property is jointly owned.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills told the Truro Daily News the location is ideal for the proposed project.
"With the new civic centre and hospital, land in that area is becoming very valuable," said Mills. "We are building on what we've already got and people are seeing Truro is the home of best new opportunities."
Alan Johnson, director of marketing and communications with Colchester Regional Development Agency (CoRDA), said, if approved, the project would create 150 construction jobs from Truro and Halifax as well as 125 permanent jobs.
"It would also open some eyes of developers in Halifax that Truro is a viable option" for business, said Johnson.
Johnson said if all goes well, the "miniature Dartmouth Crossing" could break ground in the spring with a potential fall opening.
Johnson said "it's way too early to tell what companies" would be in the building, but added based on the developer's experience in previous projects, the public would be pleased.
According to Johnson, Hampson has a "strong track record" with developments and has contributed about 10 per cent of the development in the Burnside Industrial Park.
Hampson has worked for more than 20 years in the Halifax area and has international experience as well, said Johnson.
Town Coun. Raymond Tynes said the proposed project is an example of how positive things are happening in the area.
"Truro and Colchester is busting at the seams," said Tynes, who is a councillor for that area.
"Any development is good for Truro and Colchester County if it meets all the bylaws and policies."
Colchester County Mayor Bob Taylor added the initiative, if approved, would "be another reason to shop" in this area instead of shoppers bypassing the town for other locations.
The next step in the proposal is for the town and county to meet in a joint planning advisory committee at the end of the month.
A public hearing would follow and upon approval, and if there are no appeals, a traffic study would also have to be completed.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
