TVA is preparing to leave 1600, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est, where the television network has been established for several decades. When the move was announced in November, the idea of the building being converted into social housing was floated, but no serious discussions about it have really taken place yet. The future of this imposing commercial building which adjoins the Jacques-Cartier Bridge today appears uncertain, causing concern in the sector.
“Of course we are concerned that such a large building could remain vacant for a long time,” recognizes Gabrielle Rondy, president of the Village’s Commercial Development Corporation (SDC).
In the east of the Village, an already devitalized sector, TVA is currently one of the largest employers. His departure will undoubtedly have short-term economic repercussions. “TVA, these are workers who go to the surrounding restaurants, who go for four to seven in the bars after the job. TVA’s move is clearly bad news for us,” illustrates Gabrielle Rondy. Hence his wish that we find a new function at “1600, De Maisonneuve” sooner rather than later.
For the moment, we still do not know when TVA will leave the premises. TVA Group Corporate Services has already moved to Quebecor’s head office, near Victoria Square. But the TVA Sports, news and Hi hello are still there. Ultimately, they will be redeveloped at 4545, rue Frontenac, the historic building of the Montreal Journal, in the east of the city: a place much smaller than 1600, De Maisonneuve, which has around ten floors and three basements.
TVA, these are workers who go to nearby restaurants, who go to hang out in bars after work. TVA’s move is clearly bad news for us.
“The moves will be carried out gradually over the coming months. [Les employés] will be informed of the details of the move in due course,” Quebecor confines itself to saying for the moment.
Housing or residences
Last November, at the same time as the elimination of 547 positions within TVA was confirmed, Quebecor also announced that the television network would leave its current location for financial reasons. With the end of in-house variety show production, 1600, De Maisonneuve became far too big.
The company’s president and CEO, Pierre Karl Péladeau, then put forward the idea that this commercial building dating from the Télé-Métropole era be converted into social housing. At Paul Arcand’s microphone last week, Pierre Karl Péladeau reiterated his proposal.
“We would like to transform it into social housing, perhaps into student residences. There is UQAM which is not far away. There will also be a pavilion from the University of Montreal. The City must certainly have some thoughts about a neighborhood that needs a little more love,” he said.
UQAM indicated to Duty having never been approached about a possible student residence project in 1600, De Maisonneuve. In the entourage of the mayor of Montreal, it is reported that the City has indeed had some discussions with Quebecor since November regarding a potential conversion of this building into social housing. However, the discussions remained very embryonic, it is reported.
Valérie Plante’s office reiterates its interest in discussing the creation of social housing, while specifying that the City would not have the means to acquire 1600, De Maisonneuve on its own. According to the latest property assessment, the value of the building is estimated at 56.6 million.
“The creation of social and affordable housing is a priority of our administration, even more important in the current context of the housing crisis. This is why we are always on the lookout for opportunities in this area. However, you must make sure to carefully analyze what is possible in terms of conversion [afin que] our approaches respect the ability of Montrealers to pay,” we emphasize.
On sale soon ?
The participation of the City of Montreal in a possible social or affordable housing project at 1600, De Maisonneuve is conditional on that of other partners, such as Quebec or a private developer.
In the office of the Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, we report that we have not yet had any exchanges with Quebecor on this subject, but we say we are open to discussing it.
TVA Group is currently the sole owner of 1600 De Maisonneuve. Will the building be put up for sale after the last TVA staff move out? Or could it remain in Quebecor’s real estate portfolio even after changing vocation? The company had no response to offer Wednesday. “We have no further information to share at this time,” they said by email. We are currently evaluating the different options regarding the vocation of 1600, De Maisonneuve Est. »