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U-Haul’s plan for old Sears outlet approved, Centennial Market’s future uncertain

The Centennial Market may have to find a new home after Regina city council approved U-Haul’s redevelopment plan of the former Sears warehouse. File / Global News

Saskatchewan’s largest indoor market may be looking for a new home, as Regina city council approved U-Haul’s redevelopment plan of the former Sears warehouse.

According to U-Haul, it plans to purchase and repurpose the building, turning it into a full-service U-Haul and self-storage facility.

The former warehouse is currently home to the Centennial Market and has some vendors worried about its future.

“This is a building that could be at risk right now because the [current] business model is not sustainable,” said Michael Fougere, Regina mayor.

“The rent being paid by the Centennial Market is not sustaining this building, so this is a way to overcome that problem.”

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The century-old building closed its door in 2017, leaving the location largely vacant.

Having U-Haul take it over breathes new life into the building and removes any uncertainty of its future going forward.

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“We don’t want to see the building demolished,” Fougere said, “so we want to make sure there is a good, adaptive reuse for that.

“U-Haul moving in is a good plan for its future.”

U-Haul is still a few years away from moving in, as the design phase needs to be completed before construction can begin.

WATCH: (Feb. 2, 2018) Retail vacancy rates jump in Regina following Sears closure

Click to play video: 'Retail vacancy rates jump in Regina following Sears closure'
Retail vacancy rates jump in Regina following Sears closure

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