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Renovations are underway for the Alderney Landing farmers’ market space and public washrooms as a stopgap until a plan for the facility’s larger expansion is complete.
Bea MacGregor, Alderney Landing CEO, said the work stems from feedback from the public, market vendors and business tenants within the farmers’ market space on the lower floor.
She said the work includes refreshing the existing public washrooms, adding a new accessible washroom, more views onto the harbour, new seating, and a small stage for musicians.
“I think what they’ll see is a more vibrant, bright, clean and refreshed space, making the most use of the space we have in a way that makes sense for the public,” MacGregor said.
MacGregor said the existing open space for their three weekly markets will be slightly redesigned to maybe “fit one more table,” but the work won’t result in a larger footprint for the market hall.
“We still need to grow and we’re still pinched, but at least it’ll be a cheery atmosphere,” MacGregor said.
However, MacGregor said Evan’s Fresh Seafood & Restaurant will be able to expand and have a dedicated restaurant space, which she said they have been requesting for more than a decade.
She said there have already been expansions for O’Bees Food Market, which recently moved into the former NSLC location across the hall, and updates are planned for permanent vendors Port City Coffee and Foody JoJo Waffle & Sandwich.
“It’s been a long time coming and [I] am excited for the changes, and look forward to the completion of the project,” Earl Joudrey, Port City owner, said in an email.
MacGregor said the $693,150 cost for the project is shared among all three levels of government, the Alderney complex itself, and its permanent businesses. She said the Halifax municipality is paying nearly half the bill for the washroom work alone.
MacGregor said this was an important step to take while the city works with multiple groups, including Alderney Landing, to create the Dartmouth waterfront revitalization plan.
She has said this plan will help Alderney Landing figure out how and where it could expand. The building’s theatre and gallery are usually full and they want to offer more, MacGregor said.
“For a small amount of money and a good stopgap, there’s a real excellent reward for the public at large,” MacGregor said.
The work is expected to take about six to eight weeks to complete, and all three weekly markets as well as the permanent businesses will remain open during this time.
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