Former Welland Target store could give way for 1,300 apartment units
August 7, 2021
Former Welland Target store could give way for 1,300 apartment units
A residential building under construction on Niagara Street in Welland is one of several proposed by the same developer for that area of the city. KRIS DUBE / TORSTAR
A 137-unit residential development under construction in north Welland is only a portion of what is being proposed in the area.
Work began recently south of the Esso gas station at Woodlawn Road and Niagara Street, a seven-storey build that will offer a variety of unit sizes, said city planning manager Rachelle Larocque.
Immediately to the south, another residential project, similar in scope and planned to be five storeys, is being taken on by the same developer, the Toth Group, said Larocque.
The land at 699 Niagara St. had once been pitched by another developer for student housing.
In December 2016, N Square Development Group Ltd. announced plans for a 42-unit, seven-storey complex at the site, with a target to welcome its first tenants by 2018. In early 2019, the company put 699 Niagara St. up for sale for more than $1.1 million.
The land’s previous owner had specific plans for student tenants, but that doesn’t appear to be the case with its new owners.
“The focus isn’t so much on student housing as it is housing for anyone,” Larocque said, unable to provide figures related to construction value.
Larocque said she is unsure if units will be rented or sold at the two locations, for which work is expected to take place simultaneously. Services are being installed at 699 Niagara St, which she said will be a “condominiumized” building.
“The plan is to have them working concurrently,” she said.
Slightly to the northeast, another large residential project is proposed on property on the northeast area of Seaway Mall.
This development will be presented to city council Tuesday night and is being brought forward by Idrakoth Ltd., according to council’s meeting agenda.
This project is affiliated with the developer undertaking the builds at 699 and 695 Niagara St., said Larocque.
What is being proposed at the mall property would involve the demolition of the former Target store to create about 1,300 housing units.
There would be internal streets, parks, small-scale commercial uses, and a mix of buildings with maximum heights of eight, 20 and 30 storeys.
Townhouses, two-unit dwellings and accessory dwelling units are part of the proposal.
Council will receive a report for informational purposes to begin the process of a potential official plan amendment and redesignate the land as a “regional shopping node” to allow for high- and medium-density residential development.
Larocque called this a “really exciting project,” part of other ongoing projects in the area.
“It will really transform that area of the mall, which is underutilized,” said Larocque.
A $20-million, 98-unit apartment on Lancaster Drive, north of the mall, started being built last year.
“There’s definitely a lot of interest in that part of the city. It’s certainly picking up,” said Larocque, noting the existence of several retail and dining options, and the transit hub at the mall as important pieces to growing the area.
A public information session was held July 29. During the session, attended by about 24 people, there were some concerns raised.
The height of 3.5-storey townhouses behind lots on Willowlanding Court, drainage, pedestrian access to the mall, parking, traffic on Lancaster Drive and whether the units will be sold or rented were some of the issues raised by those who participated in the session, said the report related to the project in Tuesday’s agenda.
Residents will have opportunity to bring further concerns about the project to council Tuesday during a statutory public meeting, a requirement under the Planning Act.
