It looks like there will be at least be a delay in constructing the new 11 storey Irving Oil headquarters building in King’s Square next to the Imperial Theatre now that an appeal has been launched. Whether it has been derailed or not remains to be seen.
The city’s former Heritage Director Jim Bezanson has lodged a formal appeal of the project with the provincial Planning Appeal Board. Bezanson says he has no doubt the building would be of the highest quality and would fit well if it weren’t so high.
Realtor Jason Stephen, a former President of the Saint John Real Estate Board, took to social media out of frustration to speak out in favour of the proposal, arguing the status quo is no longer an option and this building with a thousand employees would boost the economy of the uptown.
Bezanson says he has offered up what he thinks is a win-win solution which would be a lower building that could still house all of the Irving Oil employees.
