Reimagining the
Halifax is growing – so are we.
The Halifax Seaport is a place where industry, retail, arts, and culture coexist in a celebration of Halifax’s ocean heritage. The Seaport Market Building—one of the anchors of the Halifax Seaport—is currently underutilized, which is putting tenants, vendors, and the port city community at a disadvantage. We have an opportunity to align with the momentum being seen across the city and evolve the Seaport Market Building to realize its full potential. We are committed to working collaboratively with our stakeholders and the community to transform the Halifax Seaport into an energetic, animated space for all of us. From families to professionals, students, and visitors, we are committed to creating a high value experiential destination that brings people together.
Vision:
Halifax is not the same place it was ten years ago—it is time for our Halifax Seaport to reflect the growth being seen across our port city. Our vision is to create a place focused on people. We want to showcase the best that Halifax has to offer—from food and music to local vendors and hospitality, our objective is to build a community hub and vibrant marketplace for more than 1.3 million visitors each year. An Urban Market Hall is the right use of space for the Seaport Market Building. It will provide guests with a diverse range of vendors while maintaining the ability to host a weekend farmers’ market.
We are seeking a suitable tenant/operator to lease the majority of the Seaport Market Building and manage its operations, including a weekend farmers’ market.
Looking to learn more?
This is an exciting time, not only for the Halifax Port Authority but for our port city. This is the right time to capitalize on momentum and evolve the Seaport Market Building into a daily destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need to evolve the Seaport Market Building?
The current space is underutilized. We are looking for a tenant/operator to transform the Seaport Market Building into an active, energetic space every day of the week. This –combined with a growing and thriving Halifax Seaport—will bring new life to the south end of the Halifax Waterfront.
What is an Urban Market Hall?
Urban Market Halls are vibrant, community gathering spaces that have a variety of cuisines, public spaces, musical events, and a wide array of retailers in one building. They combine community with energy, helping people connect, indulge, and enjoy.
Why are you recommending an Urban Market Hall?
An Urban Market Hall will make better use of the Seaport Market Building and will give locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the best Halifax has to offer. Our vision is to create a community hub and an engaging landing spot for more than 1.3 million annual visitors, including hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers.
Why is the Halifax Port Authority seeking a new tenant/operator?
By transferring operations of the Halifax Seaport Market Building to a third-party, the Halifax Port Authority will be able to focus its efforts on cargo and cruise operations, and further establishing Halifax as a modern, strong port city.
What will happen to the Farmers’ Market?
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is important part of our community and we are committed to supporting our vendors throughout this phase. The operation of a weekend farmers’ market is an integral component that we will be looking for in proposals from potential tenant/operators.
Is retail the best use of the Seaport Market Building?
Yes. In 2018, we hired a third party to conduct a review of the building to determine the highest and best use of space. While they recommended a continuation of retail, they concluded there was an urgent need to reconsider the business model to maximize the space’s potential.
Will current tenants/vendors be part of new operator’s vision?
Our tenants and vendors are important to us and to the community. The successful tenant/operator will be expected to make an effort to work with our current vendors and tenants to include them in their vision for the future.
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