Target development represents new beginning for Welland’s Seaway Mall

“I’ve had tenants ask if the project was going through … it’s going through. There will be needs that people will want to have facilitated.”

An office for the development should be open within the next 10 to 12 days for people to see what’s going on.

“The development looks great. When they have the grand opening they’ll unveil a lot more.”

That grand opening will take place on Sept. 17 at the mall, and various partners involved in the project will be there, too.

Belcastro said the project started two years ago and that it’s been amazing to watch it grow.

“I think it will be great for Welland.”

He said Toth has held seminars with the tenants in the mall, letting them know what’s to come and to understand what the community will be about.

As things have progressed, the mall’s president said information about the project has gone out in trade publications so the industry knows what’s going on.

“National retailers are looking at Welland. It’s on the map, everyone knows it’s growing.”

Belcastro said he knows things are going to be a pain for a while with the demolition, which has seen a large area of the parking lot on the north side closed down, but added that future construction brings workers to the area.

“It’s a new beginning for the mall.”

Belcastro said the mall is setting up a meeting with LIV Communities, the developers of the proposed Northern Reach project.

The company has plans to build 3,800 to 4,500 residential units and will contain a mixed-use residential and a commercial block that features outdoor patio areas with a canal and park views.

It is also proposing a bridge to be built over Welland Recreational Canal to the mall area from Merritt Island.

Belcastro said everyone is working together to do the best thing for the city, and the mall.

“We’re quite excited. There’s a lot going on.”