Interest high in future of former Halifax school

There's a lot of interest in a former elementary school in downtown Halifax.

The city asked for proposals for St. Patrick's Alexandra Elementary which closed two months ago.

Three developers and three non-profit groups have expressed interest in the Brunswick Street building so far.

One of the non-profit organizations is the MicMac Native Friendship Centre, currently located not far from the school on Gottigen Street.

Pam Glode is the executive director of the Friendship Centre.  She says the centre badly needs the former school because its current building is cramped and in disrepair.

"The floor is separating from the walls in certain spots, we have major leaks, and we have mould, which we've contained," Glode told CBC.

"Sometimes we have a lineup waiting for the computers, even to sit down and have tea and coffee, people will be waiting sometimes, so this would be space. I would like to expand and offer more resources," said Glode.

The Friendship Centre is willing to co-operate with any other non profit groups that are also interested in the space, Glode said, including the North End Community Clinic. She feels the building has enough room to house several non-profit groups.

"We've already had many conversations about how we would work together to make that a one stop shop — not just for the urban aboriginal community, for the community as a whole."

City officials are reviewing all proposals and will take at least a month to make a recommendation to council.

Among the developers interested in the building are Navid Saberi with United Gulf.  He said it's too early to talk about his ideas for the property.

The building is assessed at more than $4-million.