In a city like Toronto, we’ve pretty much seen and done it all. However, we could be getting a brand new and unique shopping destination. Wondering what neighbourhood it’ll be and how chic it’ll be? Well, believe it or not, it might be situated under the Gardiner Expressway. The development is called Under Gardiner and it would bring four new buildings to underused space below the Gardiner.
See also: The Bloor Viaduct Could Be Undergoing A Major Makeover
The Plan for the Shopping Centre
No, we’re not joking. While there have been countless discussions about what to do with the decaying highway, this new shopping destination would give folks a whole new appreciation for the underused space. Developer Concord Adex has filed plans with the City of Toronto to construct a multi-floor destination that would have the Gardiner above, this new shopping space in the middle, and The Bentway below.
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A statement from Concord reads that the retail mall would “complement recent large-scale commercial additions into the area and contribute to the creation of a complete community.”
The development would be a total of 60,000 square feet and in addition to the retail space, would include a huge food hall and event space. The plans also include a 580-sq-metre public square complete with walkways, interactive landscaping and public seating that would connect the CityPlace neighbourhood with the waterfront to the south.
“The square preserves pedestrian movement across the site and creates a unique destination for gathering, entertainment and programmable space,” reads Concord’s proposal. “Exposing the expressway foundations on the lower level will provide a unique opportunity to interact with municipal infrastructure.”
These plans are still being reviewed by the City so nothing is final yet. However, after spending nearly 18 months being unable to gather in a safe way, having more public outdoor areas certainly doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
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Featured Image: Concord Adex/City of Toronto
