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Old Port of Montréal development opportunity open for leisure operators

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old port of montreal

A large hangar could present big opportunities for a leisure attraction at the waterside venue

In partnership with CBRE Ltd., The Old Port of Montréal (OPMC), a major tourism site in Canada, is arranging negotiated invitations to bid to refurbish or completely redevelop its Hangar 16 site.

Located on the city’s Clock Tower Pier, Hangar 16 is a 42,000-square-foot waterfront parcel with a distinct industrial character and infinite refurbishing or redevelopment potential. The OPMC seeks to redevelop this parcel to capture new audiences and further drive this highly animated all-season recreation area.

Old Port of Montreal observation wheel at night

Hangar 16 is currently surrounded by a range of top attractions including playgrounds, adventure parks, river adventures and retail outlets. Directly to the south is Bonsecours Basin and its island, home to the Montreal Observation Wheel.

In the winter months, Bonsecours Basin transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, with a large outdoor skating rink aglow under the coloured lights of the observation wheel. Summer turns Bonsecours Basin into one of the site’s busiest areas with pedal boating and miniature trains, accompanied by boutiques and a bistro. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a 1,200-foot-long zip line which stretches over Bonsecours Island.

Nautical adventures and scenic views

Old Port of Montreal Bridge

To the north of Hangar 16 is the Montreal Yacht Club which is also the departure area for river rides taking visitors down the famous Lachine Rapids.

A pedestrian corridor leads to the urban beach, the Old Port’s historic clock tower, and a parking area for 500 vehicles.

The east side of Clock Tower Pier oversees the St. Lawrence River, with Hangar 16’s riverside views also including the iconic silhouette of Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

This bridge leads to Notre-Dame Island, the home of the Gilles Villeneuve Formula One racetrack, the Montreal Casino, and the beautiful gardens of Jean-Drapeau Park.

To the west, the city skyline rises behind the trees lining the Old Port lands. The view features the Old Montreal district’s iconic landmarks, including cathedral steeples and heritage building facades. This view also includes the eye-catching century-old dome of the former Bonsecours public market that now houses restaurants and boutiques. This market houses food, wine and trade shows as well as art and fashion exhibitions including World Press Photo exhibitions.

World-class attractions

Jacques-Cartier Pier is south of Bonsecours Basin, the summer home of internationally renowned performance troupe Cirque du Soleil. The pier’s pavilion houses a restaurant with one of the area’s largest outdoor patios for relaxation. Next door is another basin, home to the Old Port’s own marina as well as departure gates for day and luxury cruises. Visitors seeking a faster journey across water can take on jet-skiing, spin boating and other water sports.

A short walk further south is King-Edward Pier, home to a variety of concessions and street food. This pier is also home to the Montreal Science Centre, Canada’s second-largest science exhibition centre, as well as an IMAX movie theatre. Both these facilities operate year-round, welcoming around 650,000 visitors annually.

Old Port Montreale Plan
Click to expand illustrative plan

International Tourism

On the south end of the site is Alexandra Pier, which is also known as the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay. Not far from this Pier, the Bota-Bota spa is permanently anchored. This is an old tugboat that has been converted into a high-end spa, in keeping with the sector’s nearby spa district.

The Alexandra Pier also serves as Montreal’s main international cruise terminal and welcomes 10,000 passengers each year. Further south, the site’s waterways connect to the historic Lachine Canal which stretches nearly 14km towards the southwestern tip of the island of Montreal and Lake St. Louis.

Dynamic and historical site with immense growth potential

Old Port Montreal Hangar 16

Hangar 16 is located within a highly visible and strategic area, being connected to Montreal’s underground city and subway system. The high-traffic site is visited by more than six million visitors each year and has become the most-visited recreational site in the Quebec province. The total available market of 24.1 million has been projected to grow to 26.5 million by 2024.

The Old Port of Montreal is truly a growing and bustling sector and home to events and attractions all year around. It is also served by a thriving scene of local restaurants, concessions, boutiques, clubs, spas, and accommodations.

The OPMC is excited to explore proposals that promise to bring even more family-oriented and world-class visitor experiences to this highly prized and popular recreational site.

Update: Applications for the tender are now closed.

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Adam Whittaker

Adam studied Marketing and Advertising Management at Leeds Beckett University. Originally from Lancashire and now based in Norfolk, UK, you can usually find him appreciating art deco design or on a roller coaster.

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