A major commercial area planned for northeast Red Deer should start taking shape next spring.
Clearview Market Square will be located in the northeast corner of the city’s new Clearview North subdivision. Currently consisting of about 20 acres, it’s expected to yield 17 pad sites ranging in size from about 4,200 to 42,000 square feet.
Jesse Rudge, a development manager with Melcor Developments Ltd., said negotiations with prospective tenants are going well. He anticipates that work on three and possible four buildings will begin in March.
Rudge expects Clearview Market Square to be anchored by a major grocery store, with this under construction by 2011 and open late that year or early the next. He’s also anticipating some “junior boxes” and a variety of smaller businesses.
“There will be some financial institutions in there, more than likely, because there’s a void on that side of the market. Hopefully, we can get some restaurants and other kinds of boutique-type retail users.”
“Most of the tenants that we’re trying to get going will be open in late 2011, early 2012.”
Rudge said the centre will serve nearby residential neighbourhoods rather then drawing consumers from across the city. But with Clearview North and other subdivisions in the area, businesses see good potential for Clearview Market Square, he added.
“There’s a lot of interest because there’s a big void in that area of the market.”
Once the intersection of 30th Avenue and 67th Street is squared off, the commercial centre could expand to between 25 and 28 acres, said Rudge.
It will feature a pedestrian-friendly market main street, a regional trail centre, and other amenities like a splash park and playground area. A three-storey office building is also contemplated, once demand dictates.
Rudge said Melcor might apply for a development permit for the project within the next month.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com