Ontario Construction News staff writer
With an archeological study continuing on the historic Allandale Station in Barrie, the city is considering turning the redevelopment project over to a private operator.
“(In 2015) staff were directed to design and construct an event centre and express restaurant space, which would then be marketed to interested parties to operate; with the significant passage of time and changing market conditions, staff believe that it would be more appropriate for a private operator … to best meet their specific business needs,” Jason DeVroom, facilities capital project supervisor wrote in a letter to council.
Staff is developing a plan to hire a private operator to “design and develop” the interior space of the buildings.
![Allandale transit hub image](https://i0.wp.com/ontarioconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/allendale-transit-hub-image.jpg?resize=696%2C348&ssl=1)
“All redevelopment work must adhere to heritage restrictions necessary to maintain the character of this important historical and very visible waterfront asset,” DeVroom wrote.
“To achieve this, staff will develop a clear set of conditions. Furthermore, city staff would oversee the work. This alternative approach is believed to provide a better outcome for a future tenant while also allowing the transfer of budgeted construction costs to the private operator.”
![allandale station lands](https://i0.wp.com/ontarioconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/allande-station-lands-1024x677.png?resize=696%2C460&ssl=1)
An archeological study is in progress at the site after bone fragments were discovered. It is expected to more than over $3.3 million.