The federal government says it could take years before a new purpose is found for the Taxation Centre building on Empire Avenue in St. John’s.

CRA employees last week were notified of plans to move them from two current locations in the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Building and the Taxation Centre to a new building yet to be built on Kelsey Drive.

The move is still a few years out.

Last week, Minister of Public Service and Procurement, Jean-Yves Duclos, announced that it was unlocking public properties as part of government efforts to encourage more purpose-built housing.

The Department says operations will continue in the existing Taxation Centre until the new building is ready sometime in 2028 or 2029. As for whether or not it could be used for housing, the department says the 43-year-old building requires extensive repairs and upgrades, and its disposal through expressions of public interest could take several years.