The city of St. John’s is putting the wheels in motion to approve a 20-unit apartment complex on Blackmarsh Road above the St. Pat’s Bowling Alley.

The development would see the upper portion of the retail plaza converted into apartments, while maintaining the businesses on the ground floor.

Council received numerous public submissions about the project, with concerns raised about parking and affordability.

Others cited economic development and the need for housing, something councillor Greg Noseworthy echoed this week.

“This type of a development is going to allow for additional housing. It’s going to drive economic development in the area,” he told council this week.

“It’s an area that is seeing growth which is great to see and I just want to reassure residents who are nearby that these are the types of things that will help allow to bring new life into areas and to reinvigorate neighborhoods.”