$1.2M needed to continue turning historic Khyber building into community hub

The Turret Arts Space Society is seeking $1.2 million to continue its goal of turning the historic Khyber building into an inclusive and accessible arts hub in Halifax. 

The society has begun to make progress with restoring the building, having spent $1 million so far.

Those funds went toward design, planning and the preliminary removal of hazardous materials to allow people to safely be in the space, according to a Wednesday news release.

The building has a storied history that includes housing a nightclub operated by the Gay Alliance for Equality from 1976 to 1982, and being a music venue in the '90s and early 2000s.

The society also announced two planned tenants for the hub: the Khyber Centre for the Arts and LOVE Nova Scotia, an organization that supports youth. Its executive director said the community hub would be a game changer for the young people his organization works with.

"When you have a safe space, when you have a brave space and you're comfortable, you can reach new heights," said Dennis Adams.

About half of the funds spent so far have come from the federal government, with about a quarter each coming from the Halifax Regional Municipality and the province, said project manager Alexis Cormier.

The Turret Arts Space Society has "taken a lot of time to make sure that their vision really aligns with the strategies of the city and the province," Cormier said. "They've been really on board to confirm that."

The money the society currently needs is part of an $18.5 million capital fundraising campaign it says is needed for the hub to be economically sustainable over a 20-year time span.

The initial $1.2 million will be used to prepare the site for construction through the removal of remaining hazardous materials and for governance and program planning, according to the society's case for support document.

After that, an additional $2 million in bridge funding will be needed until the Turret Arts Space qualifies for operating funding from arts and culture agencies.

The society aims to have the site ready for construction by the fall of 2025. It is also aiming to create the first designated queer heritage site in Canada. 

"We really have taken the first step," said Sobaz Benjamin, the society's president.

"There are many, many more steps to be taken."