Former Montreal Gazette printing plant in NDG to become new commercial development

It's been sitting empty since 2014, but plans are in the works to turn the old Montreal Gazette printing plant in Notre-Dame-de-Grce into a new commercial development.

The plant at 7001 St-Jacques Street used to be the main printing facility for the daily newspaper. Now, the building's new owner plans to turn it into a commercial development.

The website of the holding company, Harden Group, states that the new project will have more than 144,000 square feet of gross leasable area.

"This project has excellent commercial potential thanks to its central location on Rue St-Jacques and it is also close to Concordia University and several surrounding residential neighbourhoods," the website states.

But some city councillors told CBC they have reservations about the concept.

"What we need in NDG are quality, mixed-use residential projects with a little bit of social housing in it too," said Coun. Peter McQueen.

Coun. Jeremy Searle agreed it's the perfect place for housing.

"People would love to live there, right? Because you've got direct access to Highway 20."

Meanwhile, some residents told CBC the area is lacking businesses and they wouldn't mind seeing a shopping centre or a big box store such as Costco in the neighbourhood.

No one from Harden Group would comment, but a representative told CBC that more information will be made public by the end of January.