Interested developers sought for former CN property in Neepawa
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, July 23, 2014
By: Kate Jackman-Atkinson
myWestman.ca
The redevelopment of the former CN property in Neepawa is edging one step closer to reality.
At the July 15 Neepawa council meeting, council approved the release of the request for expression of interest (EOI) document. The approximately 40-acre property is owned by the Town of Neepawa, after sitting vacant for years.
Over the last year, the town, with MMM Group, developed a master plan for the redevelopment of the site located at the northeast corner of Highway 5 and Highway 16. The plan outlines how the property will be zoned and where the roads will be located. The Beautiful Plains Museum will retain its existing location and land has been set aside for the future construction of a fire hall.
Economic development officer Marilyn Crewe explains that the EOI aims to let developers know about the property.
“It's one more marketing tool to let developers know that this [land] is waiting,” said Crewe.
In addition to letting developers know about the property, Crewe says the EOI will also let council know which developers are interested in the property and how they intend to develop it. She adds that at this point, the town is looking for the developer to purchase the whole parcel. The developer will also be responsible for installing
all of the infrastructure on the property.
While the property is being marketed as a complete parcel, Crewe said that developers who are only interested in a certain portion (residential land for example), can also complete the EOI.
Interested developers have until Aug. 31 to complete the EOI form. Crewe said that this will give potential developers time to think about their plans for the development and will give council the fall to review the submissions. She adds that as the town continues to finalize some outstanding issues with the land, the developer can make their own preparations for development.
Crewe says that development will depend on the developer and their timeline, which could occur in phases over multiple years.
