Irving Oil announces new headquarters for Saint John

Irving Oil has given the city of Saint John some encouraging news, with the announcement of a new headquarters to be built in the uptown.

The company made the announcement today in a news release.

The preferred site of the new building is next to the Imperial Theatre, in the lot currently being used by Irving employees for parking.

"We're very confident in this project," said Andy Carson, Director of Public Affairs & Community Relations for Irving Oil.

"We do hope to have all the approvals in place to commence construction in the spring of 2016."

Carson said there is still a lot of consultation with employees and stakeholders to be done, and much design work to consider.

Irving intends to consolidate as many head office employees as possible at the new building.

Currently, they are scattered in several offices around the city.

When one person comes and builds, it usually means other people will follow.- Gerry Lowe, ward three councillor

Councillor Gerry Lowe from ward three sees it as a positive move for the uptown. It's in an area with several major unoccupied buildings.

"When one person comes and builds, it usually means other people will follow," said Lowe. "When a person fixes up a house or their lawn, the people next door usually fix up their house and lawn."

"We've got the Paramount Theatre, a big, big hole over there, and we got the empty building of Woolworth's, so it would only be great if something else could spin off this here."

Irving Oil has chosen B+H Architects, a Toronto-based firm, to complete a feasibility study on the site, with details to be announced in a few months.