By WECT Staff | February 3, 2021 at 2:21 PM EST – Updated February 3 at 3:20 PM
NEW HANOVER CO., N.C. (WECT) – The N.C. Local Government Commission approved New Hanover County’s debt financing for its new Government Center on Tuesday.
County officials say that the construction on the redevelopment project is set to begin in mid-March.
“I appreciate the Board of Commissioners’ vision and support that is making this project possible,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet. “And now with the approval of the LGC, we look forward to breaking ground in March and creating a purpose-built facility, designed with the customer at the center. We will also have open greenspace adjacent to our new building that will create an inviting government campus for our citizens to use and enjoy.”
Last month, county commissioners approved the estimated $53.5 million project.
Under the plan, the county retains 7.5 acres of land where the new government facility will be while a second parcel of roughly 7.5 acres was sold to the developer, Cape Fear FD Stonewater, for $8.84 per square foot. This portion will be developed as a private development after the government center is completed.
The developer will build the new government center facility, which will include a new Emergency Operations Center as well as 911 Center.
Plans also call for a $46 million mixed-use development that will contain some workforce housing as well as an office complex, according to the agreement.
While the new Government Center is constructed, county services will remain operational in the current building.
Services will be moved directly into the new building once it is finished, which is tentatively expected in September 2022.
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