Seaport Redevelopment

Why develop the Seaport?

Along Halifax's waterfront, an area known as the "Seaport" has the potential to be a source of pride for Halifax and Nova Scotia. We have an opportunity to build Canada's next waterfront destination, a place where creativity and industry meet. A place for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round. A development that generates new and diverse economic activity for the Port of Halifax and jobs in the region's emerging creative and entertainment sector.

The Seaport is located along Piers 20-23 at the southern end of the Halifax waterfront. Years ago, the Seaport was active with cargo and immigration.Today, most cargo moves by containers and the Pier 21 Immigration Museum tells immigration stories to thousands of visitors a year. Along with Pier 21, the Seaport currently includes the Cruise Pavilion serving cruise ships, an Immigration Annex featuring commercial office space, and a new Gateway Park area connecting the Seaport to the Halifax Harbourwalk.

As part of the Halifax Port Authority's vision to grow and diversify the Port of Halifax, the Seaport will be transformed into an innovative mixed-use development and unique waterfront asset. The Halifax Seaport will be a great new public space with walkways and view planes to the harbour, generating economic activity for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Redevelopment Objectives

• Expand Tourist/Cruise passenger facilities and services
• Be a catalyst for growth in the arts and cultural industries, leading Halifax to be recognized as a "World City of Culture"
• Be financially self-sustainable and create new jobs and economic benefits
• Be a source of civic pride for Halifax and Nova Scotia - A new Waterfront Destination

Development Principles

Our guiding principles are:

• People first
• Inclusive Process
• Financially self-sufficient/sustainable
• Economic Impact/Smart Growth
• Protect, Enhance, Celebrate
• Views/Access to the water
• Gateways/Pedestrian Ways and Places
• Transportation/Parking
• Safe, Secure and Comfortable
• Design Excellence

Programming

Work/Market Place

• Expanded work district for "Arts and Creative Industries"
• Diverse workplace accommodations
• Shared business amenities, meeting rooms, specialized facilities and equipment
• Film/Media Production Centre
• Performance studios and workshops
• Showcase and sale of arts, crafts and design

Cultural Institutions/Attractions

• Pier 21 Museum
• NSCAD University
• Nova Scotia Centre for Craft & Design
• Mary Black Gallery
• Other galleries, museums and attractions
• Other educational and training facilities

Visitor/Cruise

• Pavilion 22, a dedicated cruise passenger facility
• Home Port Facility
• Visitor Welcome Centre
• Inter-modal transportation hub
• Shops, restaurants and quick cuisine

Public Spaces and Programs

• Gateways and Promenades
• Harbour Walk South
• Parks and Public Spaces
• Festivals and special events
• Public area animation programs

Inspiring Examples

In creating the 10-year redevelopment plan for the Seaport, we have looked for examples of other great waterfront developments across Canada and around the world:

The Forks, Winnipeg

• Major waterfront redevelopment
• Year round destination for residents and visitors
• Manitoba Visitor Welcome Centre
• Marketplace for local arts, crafts, design and food
• Cluster of regional attraction
• Science Centre
• Museums
• Galleries

Granville Island, Vancouver

• World renowned waterfront redevelopment
• 6 million visitors annually
• Residents and tourists
• Studios/workshops for artists
• Emily Carr School of Art
• Active cultural district - theatres and galleries
• Shops, food market, restaurants and vibrant nightlife
• Boutique hotel/condos

Queens Quay Terminal, Toronto

• Former waterfront warehouse at Harbourfront
• Renovated into offices, luxury condominiums, 450-seat dance theatre, 100 shops and restaurants and a Canadian Craft & Design Marketplace with 180 participants
• Cart, Specialty Kiosks and Design Zone programs launched careers of several well known artists/craftspeople
• Attracted more than 2.5 million visitors annually

The Distillery District, Toronto

• Toronto's new arts district
• Unused industrial buildings redeveloped
• $30 million investment to date
• Work/Live accommodation
• Shops and Restaurants
• Setting for festivals, and public events

Custard Factory, Birmingham, UK

• Largest concentration of artists and creative activity in Europe
• 500 artists and small creative enterprise
• Revitalized 5 acre sprawl of unused factories
• Redevelopment began in 1990
• Affordable accommodation
• Studios, workshops, shopping, cafes and nightlife
• Future phases include live/work lofts, hotel and performance facilities

Contact Us

Sarah Rumley
Market Place Coordinator

Tel: 902-426-1285
E-mail: seaport@portofhalifax.ca

Community Consultation

The Halifax Port Authority has gathered input from stakeholders such as current tenants, the arts, culture, entertainment and tourism communities, the three levels of government and the public to guide the 10-year redevelopment plan of the surplus Seaport land.