HALIFAX SHOPPING CENTRE

 

The "Gigantic" opening for the Halifax Shopping Centre took place on Tuesday, September 11, 1962 at 9:30am.  It was billed as "The Marketplace of the Maritimes" at the time.   Grand Opening hype proclaimed "Never in the history of Halifax have so many stores opened on one day!"    The story of the Shopping Centre started in 1956 when Eaton's applied for the re-zoning of the property.  Site work commenced in February 1961.  In the Thursday, September 13th edition of the Chronicle Herald, the Shopping Centre thanked "the 27,000 persons who made the opening of the Halifax Shopping Centre such a tremendous success!" The Shopping Centre claimed to be the biggest Shopping Centre east of Montreal at the time. A February 1, 1962 construction update for the Shopping Centre Noted that at the time, Eatons was 85% complete, Sobey's was 80% complete, the shopping mall was 60% complete and the parking area was ready for spring paving. Developers of the project were Webb and Knapp (Canada) Ltd.  Owners were Triton Ltd. and General Contractors Anglin-Norcross Maritime Ltd. The project was designed and Engineered by Webb and Knapp staff in consultation with The Graham Company.  Associate Architect was Gregory Lambros.

Halifax Shopping Centre (view facing west) - mid 60's Photo from HRM Archives 102-39-1-230.1 Used with Permission

Halifax Shopping Centre (view facing south) - mid 60's Photo from HRM Archives 102-39-1-230.2 Used with Permission

Halifax Shopping Centre (view facing north-west) - mid 60's Photo from HRM Archives 102-39-1-230.3 Used with Permission

Halifax Shopping Centre (view facing north) - mid 60's Photo from HRM Archives 102-39-1-230.4 Used with Permission

The Brand New Halifax Shopping Centre  - 1962 Photo from HRM Archives 102-39-1-416_6960_MumfordRd,1962 Taken by Atlantic Air Survey Used with Permission