No update on future of Fredericton’s Centennial Building, vacant since 2013

The Centennial building in Fredericton has been vacant for 13 years.

Fredericton’s Centennial building has sat vacant for about 13 years, and it remains unknown as to when it might see some development.

Built as a monument to Canada’s 100^th birthday, the building housed New Brunswick’s halls of power for almost half a century.

But in 2013, a new government building opened across the street, and offices were moved over.

The Brian Gallant Liberal government proposed turning it into a courthouse. That process was later halted by the Blaine Higgs Progressive Conservative government, who sold it for $4 million in 2019 to Centennial Heritage Properties.

The private company initially proposed turning the building into apartments and retail space. The developer presented an initial design to the city that saw the façade of the building mostly maintained.

But a year ago, a new design was proposed, with more metal panels and balconies that extended from the building.

It was rejected by the Planning Advisory Committee.

The developer recently told CTV News in an email they’re still reviewing cost information, and there’s not much else to report.

On Tuesday, when asked their thoughts, passers-by shared their attachment to the building.

“It’s just sad that it’s sitting vacant for so long when it could be something constructive,” one woman said.

Another said she had been inside the building several times, and felt the interior was attractive and meaningful.

“I would like to see it utilized,” she said.

Adam Peabody, executive director at Downtown Fredericton Inc., says the area has so much promise.

The new playhouse and justice buildings are going up less than a block a way.

And, he says, the city needs more housing and retail space.

“It’s certainly an opportunity that’s right for the taking. And I think that all parties that have been involved have an obligation to the community, to come together and find a path forward,” he said.

The City of Fredericton said there’s no update at this time.

The province maintains the building has been out of its hands officially since 2020, and its future rests with the current owners.

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