The federal government is investing almost $570,000 toward the creation of Downing Place which will kick off the City of Moncton’s 125th anniversary year.
Downing Place is intended to become a central square linking Moncton City Hall with the Petitcodiac River.
Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc says the city wants the space to be a vibrant, people place.
“We want to have lots of activities. We want to make it a community really… something that is integral to our city, to the vibrancy of our city and to the prosperity.”
Downing Place will incorporate what was Downing Street which is currrently a parking lot between the Blue Cross Centre and Assomption Place.
A portion of the federal funding announced will also be used for a Moncton anniversary festival planned for April.
UPDATE:
Lawrence Forbes is the President of Downtown Moncton Centreville Inc and believes the Downing Street Project will bring something to the city we don’t currently have – a central meeting place.
“One of the things we don’t have a lot of in our downtown and in Moncton in general is a gathering place for people and families and that’s what this is going to make,” says Forbes.
Downing Place will transform what is now a parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly public square and serve as a direct link from city hall to Petitcodiac River.
Details will still have to be worked out with project’s adjacent landowners – including Assomption Place and the Blue Cross Centre.
