City of St. John's Awards Contract to Design Community Market
The City of St. John’s has awarded the contract for the design of the new community market at the former Metrobus location on Freshwater Road to Fougere Menchenton Architecture.
The re-purposed portion of 245 Freshwater Road will be a combination of vendor stalls, cafe space, kitchen space, community engagement area, workshop/event rental space and home to the St. John’s Farmers’ Market.
“With this contract awarded we're one step closer to making the new and improved community market a reality while repurposing an existing city building,” said Councillor Tom Hann. “The facility is envisioned as a vibrant community space that will enable aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in various industries to grow their businesses.”
The total cost of design and construction of the facility is approximately $3.74 million.
“The St. John’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative is very excited to see the new community market take shape,” says Joshua Smee, Chair of the Cooperative’s Board of Directors. “Over the last two years we have been gathering ideas for the space from our colleagues at markets across Canada, our vendors, and our customers – and we are confident this is going to be an incredible asset to the community.”
Offering opportunities for regular community interaction and engagement, the facility will contribute to a strong and healthy neighbourhood in the City centre. There will also be space for outdoor vendors. Detailed design will be carried out in 2016 and construction will start in 2017 with a goal to open the building for spring, 2018.
Funding for the construction of new community market is being cost-shared with the City contributing $2 million through its capital budget, $1.17 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and $490,000 is from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development (BTCRD).
The St. John’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative will operate the facility and have also contributed $100,000 towards the project, $50,000 of which is from AVIVA Community Fund.
Media Contacts:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
Joshua Smee
Chair, Board of Directors
St. John's Farmers' Market Cooperative
709-763-5216
exec@stjohnsfarnersmarket.org