New Tenant for Old Mall

[The Invisible Man]

THIS NEWS STORY says a new tenant is moving into the old mall.

THIS LINK IS ABOUT SHAPE PROPERTIES

The unused portion of the old Alberni Mall is shaping up.

The owner of the Johnston Road property is keeping mum for now about their new tenants, who are slated to move into the former Safeway portion of the property.

Shape Properties spokesperson Mike Nygren made the announcement in response to a question from Coun. Cindy Solda at council's Monday meeting.

“We have signed another tenant for the existing Safeway space,” Nygren said. “I'd love to tell you who it is and who will be moving in beside them, but we let tenants announce themselves.”

Councillors voted in favour of a variance permit that will subdivide the property into five smaller properties, in effect turning the 14-acre property into six properties.

The old mall site is an eye sore , which isn't condusive to economic development, Coun. Jack McLeman said, who then asked when it will be revamped.

“Maybe you could lease it to the fair,” Nygren said. “Maybe you could have leased it to Van Isle Ford,” McLeman replied.

Shape is already undertaking repair work such as on the roof, fire protection and other maintenance on the property, Nygren said.

Further work that will make the area look esthetically similar to that between Canadian Tire and The Dollar Store is in the works, Nygren said.

Shape's Alberni property isn't just a tax write off for the company. They Valley holds its own. “The rate of return for this mall is the best and it's only half full,” Nygren said. “It's a great market for us.”

More details will be released when Shape submits a development permit to the city, Nygren said.

[CanAbyss]

I heard it was Home Hardware relocating there, with a Target next door.

[WetCoastKid]

Good memories of that place, listening to the clickedy clack of the wheels on the K-mart buggy rolling over tiles of a once bustling hub.

We would go to get film canisters developed and then stay for lunch at Soldas. There was usually something going on in the center court and if there wasn't, there was always the arcade.

Port Alberni could REALLY use a covered area to congregate and spend our constantly dwindling little pile of cash.

This mini-mall shit, just don't cut it...

[lionking]

Good memories of that place, listening to the clickedy clack of the wheels on the K-mart buggy rolling over tiles of a once bustling hub.

We would go to get film canisters developed and then stay for lunch at Soldas. There was usually something going on in the center court and if there wasn't, there was always the arcade.

Port Alberni could REALLY use a covered area to congregate and spend our constantly dwindling little pile of cash.

This mini-mall shit, just don't cut it...

I totally agree "WetCoastKid"! On Halloween we took our kids to the mall, it was a special thing that the mall started, we also took our grand kids you could be there at 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm.

In the evenings we took our dogs to dog obedience. Santa Claus would arrive and, it was a really big deal you could your picture taken with Santa if you wanted! The Hugh Christmas Tree was decorated so nice and, you could put a signed present for a boy or girl, we really liked that idea .

We had bake sales and raffles draws for our ball team. At Christmas time our adult band would go and, play at the Mall I played the drums it was so much fun! And yes Soldas the best spaghetti and, meat balls anywhere! You brought back some good memories, thanks for sharing

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