FAQs - Long Wharf Announcement: proposed new Irving Oil building
Q1: Why Long Wharf?
Irving Oil has been looking for a site for a new building over the past several years. Throughout this search, a number of organizations and individuals encouraged our company to develop in the uptown area. The Long Wharf property was an attractive choice because of its central location, and because we want to build on Saint John’s momentum and revitalization. We believe the project would benefit many who live and work here. All development plans are pending the approval of the federal and municipal governments, and dependent on reaching a final agreement between Irving Oil and the Port Authority over the next couple of months.
Q2: If built, what would the development involve and when would it start?
While it is still early in the process, the proposed building would complement the natural landscape. The current building concept is a low-level building, not a tower, and would follow the rigorous ‘LEED’ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard for design, construction and operation.
The development would not only provide space for a new building but would also enhance public access to the city’s waterfront via Harbour Passage with the addition of new walking trails and park space. Irving Oil would also contribute to the redevelopment of the Fort La Tour National Historic site as part of the site’s landscaping and public space. If proposal approvals are granted by the federal and municipal governments, we could begin construction later this year. Construction would take about two to three years to complete.
Q3: What would happen to existing Irving Oil properties, such as the Golden Ball?
We have not made specific plans for any of our buildings yet, as we are very early in the process and this proposal still needs to be approved. However, we do know the Golden Ball would not be for sale.
Q4: Which divisions within Irving Oil would be moving?
Until we know the final design of this building, we won’t know how much space would be available. Regardless of which employees move, we are committed to best design practices and healthy work space. For example, based on feedback from our people we have implemented a number of changes and upgraded many our existing workplaces.
Q5: When would public consultation on the development begin?
The announcement is the first step forward in this project. There is still a lot of work ahead, including reaching a final agreement with the Saint John Port Authority and receiving approval from the federal and municipal governments. If that happens, we look forward to working with our community to develop our plans and receiving their input on the public spaces that would be enhanced as part of this proposed development. Public consultation sessions on the public spaces could begin as early as this fall.
Q6: Do you need this new space because of Project Eider Rock?
This project is unrelated to Irving Oil’s plans for a proposed second refinery. We have always anticipated that there would come a time when we would need to add additional space for our operations, as we have steadily outgrown our current space. We need this building regardless of the other projects underway, and we are excited about what it would mean for waterfront development and further beautification of our community.
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