Cathy Dobson
Four new apartment buildings are proposed for the former Famous Players property at 1450 London Rd.
Southside Group purchased the six acres immediately east of Lambton Mall in 2021, after the shuttered movie theatre and Norm’s Pub and Grill were demolished.
The development company wants to begin construction on the six-storey buildings - with a total of 324 rental units - by 2024.
Land use planner Dave Hannam of Zelinka Priamo Ltd. appeared before city council on May 9 to ask for an extension on development charge demolition credits.
Work on the project has moved slower than expected because of the pandemic, Hannam said.
The extension would be important to the financial viability of the project with the potential to save Southside about $330,000.
Mayor Mike Bradley spoke in favour of the extension, telling council it has been done before.
“This is a major development,” he said, suggesting an extension of one or two years. Council voted in favour of giving the company a one-year extension.
“You have a motivated developer here,” Hannam assured council, speaking on behalf of Southside.
The developer intends to submit an Official Plan amendment and rezoning application to City Hall later this month.