Heard of the Cogswell District? You will.

Construction is currently underway on one of the biggest city-building projects in the history of Halifax. This redevelopment will lead to the creation of an entirely new neighbourhood connecting the downtown with both the waterfront and north end.

The neighbourhood will be built where the Cogswell Interchange — a multi-level highway interchange in the downtown — stood prior to demolition.

Sixteen acres of road infrastructure will be converted into a mixed-use neighbourhood that is capable of supporting new residential and commercial environments for 2,500 people.

Along with providing much-needed housing, the Cogswell District will also offer an abundance of progressive urban design features — think cycling lanes, multi-use trails, new parks, open spaces, and a reimagined transit hub.

A district energy system will also provide a green energy source for buildings constructed in the district.

The project is expected to cost roughly $138.1 million and phase one of the project will be completed by December 2025. After that, landscaping will take place in 2026 followed by the construction of new buildings.

Read on to learn more about what’s planned for the Cogswell District:

granville park

Granville Park will include a lawn and pavilion to be used for markets, festivals, performances and gatherings.

While a plaza with steps, terraced seating, an interactive fountain and an amenity space will provide direct pedestrian access to Barrington street, the Granville Park promenade will include expanded crosswalks, planters and lights to create a “front yard” for Historic Properties.

Finally, the Granville Mall will include building frontage for outdoor cafes and seating areas with planters.

poplar street park

The Poplar Street Park will offer up local green space, a large community garden and a multi-use path to the local community.

Bicycle parking will be included along the multi-use path and the adjacent northern gateway to downtown will feature signature trees and landscaping.

pocket parks

The southern roundabout (a feature of the original deign plan) will be converted into a three-leg intersection that allows for the creation of two pocket parks.

Overlook Park will feature an upper and lower plaza joined by terraced steps. While the lower plaza will be large enough for small events and gatherings, the upper plaza will offer an expansive view of the Halifax Waterfront.

The pocket park that runs along the Barringtown Greenway will tell the story of the Halifax Waterfront through signage.

transit hub

A new transit hub will serve as a connection to all the bus routes converging downtown and link up to the ferry terminal.

Barrington Street between Duke and Cogswell will feature this on-street, pedestrian-focused transit hub with transit-only lanes curbside, canopies for shelter, electronic signage and enhanced lighting.

art and commemoration features

Commemorative features to celebrate the history of the neighbourhood and its residents are planned as a series of “moments” that will be spread out across the new neighbourhood.

These “moments” may include stories about the former neighbourhood, urban renewal, the former interchange and its displacement of residents, and the working wharf; the story of the African Nova Scotian community; recognition that the site is constructed on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaw; recognition of newcomers; and a celebration of sustainability.

The specific art and commemoration features are in the process of being developed and confirmed.

The Cogswell District definitely seems to be a massive improvement over the divisive interchange, so stay tuned.

Images: All renderings are courtesy of Halifax.ca and the Cogswell District Design Plan

Find out more about the project here.