It’s a project of a scale not seen for a generation.

ECL evelopments unveiled its plans yesterday for a 22-storey office building for the north end of Granville Mall on Barrington Street.

And since the concept was approved in 1978, International Place doesn’t require a public hearing to be approved, says Donald Clow, president of ECL Developments.

“It’s an approved project and it can go forward without having to go through council,” said Donald Clow, president of Stellarton-based ECL Developments Ltd.

But the project, which is strictly for hotel, retail and office space, will still have to get a development and building permit from the city.

“We’re hopeful it will not meet with resistance, but it seems like it’s a normal course in this day and age that people may put some protest up against the project and we will respond to those when they come forward.”

Downtown Coun. Dawn Sloane said if the developer sticks to the development agreement, this project won’t be discussed by council — not even to approve the development permit. HRM staff would approve the permits.

If there was a public outcry, it was dealt with in 1978, she said.

It took 30 years to get to the building stage because the market conditions weren’t right until now, said Clow.

“There is a need in the marketplace. Halifax has a very low vacancy rate at the moment, it’s the lowest in its history and there’s a very strong momentum as a community for growth in our local economy.”

It’s a very welcome addition to the Barrington Street area, which has had its troubles with vacant storefronts.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Paul MacKinnon, Executive Director for the Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

“This is going to be the first significant office building built in 25 or 30 years.”

Other projects in works

Two other downtown develop­ments are on the verge of construction.

The controversial project nicknamed the Twisted Sisters is still a go.

United Gulf Developments owns the Tex-Park at Hollis and Sackville Streets in downtown Halifax, and has plans for a twin-towered, 27-storey hotel, apartments, office and retail complex. An appeal by the Heritage Trust was struck down last year.

“Construction can happen there anytime,” said Paul MacKinnon, Executive Director for the Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

He said the developers are working on the final details.

Then last month, council approved the 21-storey Brewery Market. This condo project was also opposed by the Heritage Trust, which complained the building was too tall and overwhelmed the heritage streetscape.