Alderney Gate Revitalization Project

Last updated: Friday, Oct. 29, 2021  

Phase 2 update 
Phase 2 of the Alderney Gate Revitalization Project will begin on Monday, Nov. 1. This phase of work will focus on upgrading the Alderney Gate main lobby and library entrance. These areas will be upgraded to create a space that is more modern, fresh and people-focused. 
 
The tender for Phase 2 of the Alderney Gate Recapitalization project can be found here. 
 
This web page will be updated as further information becomes available.
 
Background 
Phase 1 of the Alderney Gate pedway revitalization project was completed in December 2018. This work involved an overall updated facility design, new interior finishes, three divided gathering spaces with accessible seating, improved air conditioning, and an overall more open and airy public space for residents to gather.

FAQ

When was phase 1 completed?

The phase 1 construction work took approximately six months to complete, from June through December 2018. 

When will phase 2 be completed?

Phase 2 will begin November 1 and is expected to be completed in May 2022. 

What will phase 2 involve? 

Phase 2 will focus on upgrading the Alderney Gate main lobby and library entrance, and will involve the following:  

• Demolition and removal of interior curtain wall, flooring, drywall, lighting, etc.;
• Supply and installation of new flooring, millwork, security desk, raised activity area, coffee station, etc.;
• New universal washroom;
• Upgrades to existing lighting and HVAC system; and, 
• Painting of walls and all steel structures.

Further information on the scope of work can be found here. 

Will the library be closed during phase 2?

All library services will be available throughout the renovation. The front library entrance will be closed while work is underway, however, a temporary street entrance will be located on Alderney Drive by the Bay 2 bus stop. 

When will crews be on site during phase 2?

Generally, crews will be on site Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. Occasional early morning, evening and overnight work will also be required as necessary, with heavy demolition work taking place between midnight and 5 a.m. to avoid noise disruptions. 

Will phase 2 cause any noise?

There will be noise and vibration generated during the demolition phase. To reduce the impact of noise, heavy demolition work will be completed between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.

Will my commute be impacted by this work? 

Temporary protecting hoarding will be in place to allow for continued pedestrian access at all times.

When was phase 1 completed?

The phase 1 construction work took approximately six months to complete, from June through December 2018.

What features did phase 1 include?

Phase 1 involved the renovation of the pedway. The new space was upgraded with new interior finishes, three divided gathering spaces with accessible seating, improved air conditioning, and an overall enhanced public space for residents to gather.

Why is this work happening?

Prior to this project, the space had not been updated in over 30 years and was not being maximized to best accommodate the needs of tenants, commuters, and the community. This project will improve the usefulness of this space as a gathering place for the public, programming space for the library and an overflow space for the market.

This project will modernize the lobby, provide a new universal washroom, and address deferred maintenance while providing a warm and welcoming gathering space to residents, tenants, staff, and visitors to Dartmouth. 

Can you tell me more about this project? 

Phase 1 of the municipality’s Alderney Gate Recapitalization began in June 2018 and was completed in December 2018. Phase 1 involved the renovation of the pedway, which was upgraded with new interior finishes, three divided gathering spaces with accessible seating, improved air conditioning, and an overall enhanced public space for residents to gather.

Phase 1 of the project received an award of the Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Architecture. The same design intention and style has been applied to phase 2 planning. The tender for phase 2 was awarded in August 2021, for a total of $1,226,000.00. Phase 2, the renovation of the entrance and lobby, is expected to be completed in May 2022.

I have more questions. Who should I contact? 

For any project-related questions, residents may contact 311.
 
To learn more about the Halifax Public Libraries (HPL) Facilities Master Plan, or for any library-related questions, residents may contact HPL directly here.