A former empty greenfield site that now hosts large-scale projects and an annual fair on the western outskirts of Winnipeg is about to get another huge dose of development.
Shindico Realty Inc. is planning to spend "tens of millions" of dollars on a gigantic commercial development to be called "Westport Festival."
According to preliminary plans, the mix will include retailers both large and small, one or two hotels, a movie multiplex and restaurants on an 18-hectare parcel of land.
John Pearson, a commercial leasing specialist with Shindico Realty Inc., said he plans to have many tenants secured well in advance of breaking ground in 2013.
"What's unique about the area is the fact you've got a cluster of major regional tourism attractions already adjacent to the development, which feeds into hotels and restaurants," he said.
In the past few years, the area has been a development hot spot, highlighted by a 15-dealership auto mall, the MTS Iceplex, the $27 million, four-sheet practice facility for the Winnipeg Jets, and the permanent home of the Red River Exhibition, the annual fair that comes to Winnipeg every June.
from Western Investor November 2011
