THE HRM BLOOMFIELD MASTER PLAN
Imagine Bloomfield supports the HRM Master Plan in principle as it was presented to, and unanimously approved by Council in 2009. The Master Plan included most of the elements we articulated in our 2007 Feasibility study and resulted in many of the same conclusions and recommendations. When the Master Plan was adopted by HRM council we offered the following recommendations and points of emphasis in our letter to HRM Council regarding the Master Plan:
• Commitment to environmentally sustainable (green building) design and operation
• Creation of a multi-purpose, community-driven and operated space hosting existing and past tenants (pending interest), arts and cultural organizations, recreation opportunities, social enterprise initiatives, retail and housing elements;
• Community uses should emphasize non-profit and social enterprise rather than simply arts and culture
• Development and adoption of a community-driven governance and management model
• Development of a unique financial model, blending multi-levels of public, private and community support and investment that will result in an affordable, viable and financially sustainable centre
• Connection to, and enhancement of the surrounding neigbourhood through thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing building design
The Bloomfield Master Plan expresses the following Principles to guide redevelopment of the site:
Inclusive
Inclusiveness fundamentally guides decisions throughout all planning and implementation phases to enhance opportunities for cultural, social, economic and housing diversity that attract a balance of people and investors to the Bloomfield community.
Community Building
The Bloomfield site should foster community within the district while acting as a catalyst for social, cultural and economic vitality for the surrounding neighbourhood and city.
Accessible
The principle of access—social, cultural, economic and physical—will influence the Bloomfield site’s form and function through design, programming and capital investment.
Creative
Bloomfield shall be a community that incubates social, cultural and economic creativity, and fosters creative synergies and innovation at all levels.
Engaging
Ongoing public participation and community input into the planning and strategic development of the Bloomfield site will help guide future policy development and decision-making.
Adaptable
The plan and redevelopment approach shall respond to evolving community needs and opportunities, and be flexible enough to enable creative and innovative development options.
Beautiful
The planning and development of the site should be inspired by urban design principles and the artful design of spaces and buildings that showcase architectural quality and beauty.
Public
Pedestrian-oriented, attractive, safe and animated spaces, programs, services and amenities will reinforce Bloomfield as an inviting public place for visitors and residents alike.
Environmentally Responsible
Environmental leadership should be demonstrated throughout all aspects of the plan and its implementation, through green design, appropriate adaptive re-use, community programming, and public and private investments.
Culturally Authentic
The Bloomfield redevelopment will reinforce the unique cultural identity and character of the site, and of the surrounding neighbourhood and community, through thoughtful planning, design and programming, including preservation of the heritage assets.
