The provincial government has even bigger plans for the National War Memorial site in downtown St. John’s after acquiring more land next door.
The space includes the former Roebothan, McKay and Marshall law firm property, which was hit by fire in 2010, as well as the abandoned former Breakwater Books structure.
The province bought the land for $2.3 million, with plans to eventually make it an extension of the renovated War Memorial.
Infrastructure Minister John Abbott describes the site as “derelict,” noting neither the owners nor the city had plans to develop it.
He says work has already begun to assess and clean up the site leading up to Memorial Day on July 1st and repatriation of a Newfoundlander in the province’s new Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Abbott says there’s potential to develop the land to complement the significance of the War Memorial, with opportunities for other amenities as well.
“I would like to see an interpretation component there for Newfoundland’s commitment to First World War, and all that entails,” he said. “People are looking for a downtown reading room or library space, so it would be that kind of arts, culture, museum combination.”
Abbott says that’s “his take” on it, adding there will be consultations on the land’s use.