Brewer Lofts will give Sudbury a 'fresh start'

An ambitious plan to transform a former brewery building into 50 condominium units is moving forward in Sudbury, Ont.

The city's planning committee approved a rezoning application by Oldenburg Inc., on Monday to turn the century-old former Northern Breweries plant on Lorne Street into the Brewer Lofts.

"Bringing ideas like this gives Sudbury a fresh start," said councillor Rene Lapierre.

"I want to give ...[the developer] a kudos for being so innovative and creating something so fantastic with a building that's no longer in really good shape and an eyesore for us."

Once built, the development would include a five-storey addition, room for commercial space and an art gallery.

The developer, Greg Oldenburg, is also trying to get the city to close a part of Alder Street behind the building so he can create a public park.

Project 'to be commended'

Councillor Mark Signoretti came to the meeting to urge his colleagues to support the project and thank Oldenburg for being a visionary.

"It's to be commended and it's nice to see that someone that was a resident of Sudbury is coming back and giving back to his community," Signoretti said.

"It's really been a pleasure to be back in Sudbury and bringing this project forward," Oldenburg said.

"Seeing the enthusiasm from people who I've never met before in my life who see this being something that really means a lot to the city."