News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Centennial Building in Fredericton will undergo a major restoration and a new courthouse will be built on the same parcel of land to maximize the use of provincial government building space.

“Investing strategically in infrastructure helps create jobs in the short term,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Renovating the Centennial Building and moving the courthouse will also help us avoid costs and save money.

“Repurposing this building will help reduce expenses related to office space, allowing the province to use existing assets more efficiently. As well, it is estimated that this project will translate into more than 800 full-time equivalent jobs during construction.”

The King Street facade of the office building will be restored. The back wing, which extends toward Brunswick Street, will be replaced with a new five-storey courthouse.

“Revitalizing this landmark building will continue the momentum we are seeing in the downtown core of our capital,” said Gallant.

In keeping with the government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, a new energy-efficient heating plant will also be built to service the Centennial Building and courthouse.

Capital costs for the project are estimated at $76 million. Work will begin later this year and is expected to be complete by 2021.

A space-utilization review by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure in 2015 was aimed at using government buildings more efficiently. It determined that repurposing the Centennial Building could reduce expenses related to office space.

The Centennial Building, built to celebrate Canada’s centenary, was described as ultra-modern when it opened in 1967. Refurbishments will start this year, during Canada’s 150^th anniversary. Offices are being vacated in anticipation of the work.

The government is also determining the best options to highlight the building’s historic architecture and preserve its pieces of public art. Nationally renowned New Brunswick artists John Hooper, Claude Roussel, Bruno Bobak, Jack Humphrey, Tom Forrestall, and Fred Ross were chosen to execute murals on the lobby of each floor when the building opened. These pieces of art will be conserved as part of the restoration project.

“The Centennial Building is an instantly recognized landmark to New Brunswickers,” said Deputy Premier Stephen Horsman. “In preserving this iconic piece of architecture, we are ensuring that existing government-owned assets will be used to their fullest. We will also be providing our region’s courts with modern, state-of-the-art facilities.”

More information on the building’s history and heritage is available online.