Halifax, NS - Five new reports released today by Trade Centre Limited (TCL) highlight both the business potential and public support for the proposed new convention centre in downtown Halifax.

The reports were commissioned this spring as part of the process to help the Nova Scotia government decide on whether to proceed with a new convention centre facility, as part of a multi-use commercial complex on the former Halifax Herald land in downtown Halifax.  Trade Centre Limited posted the reports today on its dedicated website www.conventioncentreinfo.com.

"We recognize that government must have as much information as possible to determine if the proposed new convention centre is in the best interest of Nova Scotia's economy and the taxpayer," said Scott Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCL. "It's also important that Nova Scotians not only receive this information before a decision is made on the proposed new facility, but that they have the chance to express their views."

Totalling more than 200 pages of customer, market and public opinion research, the reports include the following:

• Destination Analysis 2010 prepared by Australia’s Global Research and Intelligence Network (GRAIN), which examines potential opportunity from the international market;
• Market Validation Report conducted by Halifax-based Thinkwell Research, which surveyed current and prospective convention centre customers in the local, provincial/regional, national and international markets;
• Overview of convention and trade show demand by Red 7 Media Research and Consulting;
• Market Projections for A Proposed New Convention Centre prepared internally by TCL staff; and,
• Three public opinion research questions related to the convention centre that were added to the Spring 2010 omnibus survey conducted by Corporate Research Associates.

In total, the four external reports cost approximately $39,500. In late April 2010, four preliminary consultants’ reports prepared in 2009 related to the business case, market conditions and economic impact of a new convention centre were released.

"This has the potential to be the largest single investment in downtown Halifax in more than 20 years, with good secure jobs for Nova Scotians in every part of the province," added Mr. Ferguson.  "We hope that government finds this information helpful as it decides on the right path to pursue."

A request for proposals for a new convention centre was issued in October 2009 and a submission is due in July 2010. A decision on whether the project will proceed will follow a detailed evaluation of the RFP submission which will outline a design and facility management plan, financing and price, and the research provided by TCL.

Trade Centre Limited (TCL) is a provincial crown corporation that operates five business units: World Trade & Convention Centre, Exhibition Park, Ticket Atlantic, Halifax Metro Centre and World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada. Its mandate is to create economic and community benefits by bringing people together in Halifax and Nova Scotia.

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For more information, contact:
Suzanne Fougere
Manager, Corporate Communications
Trade Centre Limited
902-421-7016
tclns.com