In efforts to increase housing, the City of St. John’s has voted to move forward in rezoning a portion of the centre city to allow for the development of a number of new residential units.

Stonemount Enterprises Limited is proposing a 60-unit apartment complex and eight rowhouse dwellings for Margaret’s Place.

Plans are also in place to renovate the nearby St. Michael’s Convent to residential units.

Given the Convent is a designated heritage building, Councillor Ian Froude says bylaws must be met before work can officially get underway.

He says a heritage report and land use report will be required first. Once the developer has submitted both, they will then move on to public consultations.