YMCA of Halifax finds developer to build new centre

The YMCA of Halifax has found a developer to build its new centre on the corner of South Park and Sackville Streets in downtown Halifax.

Southwest Properties and Streamliner Properties Fund LP will partner to build the 70,000-square-foot YMCA Centre of Community.

Stuart MacLean, chair of the YMCA board of directors, made the announcement Tuesday morning.

The project will be part of a larger mixed-use private development. The new centre will include an aquatic centre, gymnasium, indoor track, strength and cardiovascular conditioning spaces, program studios, change rooms and a licensed childcare centre.

The existing YMCA on South Park Street closed at the end of May, putting 38 people out of work and forcing 1,700 members to find somewhere else to work out.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us. One that we take very seriously given the impact and longevity of the facility in our community," said Jim Spatz, chairman and CEO for Southwest Properties.

"We are humbled to be partners with the YMCA in building a new legacy that will serve the community for another half century and beyond."

Until the new centre is open, the childcare facility has relocated to the St. Thomas Aquinas Church building at the corner of Oxford and Cornwall streets. The centre is able to host 56 children.

The new YMCA Centre of Community is set to open either in late 2017 or early 2018.