Dundurn mega-mall developer eyes new project at GTH

The same development company that has promised a multi-million dollar mega-mall in Dundurn has announced a new project at the Global Transportation Hub (GTH).

Brightenview Development International is spearheading a $45 million six-building complex known as the Global Trade Exhibition Centre (GTEC). Tenants will include small and medium-sized manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

“The market interest, demand and support at this GTEC is phenomenal; very strong support,” insisted Brightenview CEO Joe Zhou.

The company’s choice to situate the project on the GTH was based on a number of factors.

“Infrastructure itself is ready and matured, not just the concept…all that’s missing is trade and goods and the inventory,” said Zhou, highlighting the distribution system as well while citing Saskatchewan’s strong, consistent trade surplus with the world.

In 2013, Brightenview announced a massive mall project would be built in Dundurn. However, roughly four years later, construction has not started. Zhou maintained the project is not dead and talks continue between the company and local leaders, saying they will continue to work on the economics of the project on their timetable.

Despite that, Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison is confident this GTEC project will come to fruition.

“Everything is looking very positive,” he said based on the provincial government’s discussions with Brightenview, adding the company has already made a big investment into the project.

The first two buildings are expected to be finished by February 2018. The businesses that initially move in will be distributors of electronics, home building materials and general consumer items, while others will export food products made from Saskatchewan agricultural goods.

Zhou couldn’t offer a date as to when the remaining four buildings would be complete but said the project will be built in a “very consecutive fashion”.

As many as 300 businesses could call GTEC home when the project is fully developed.