Nova Centre construction a factor in decision to leave downtown, business says

A fixture of Halifax's downtown is relocating to the city's north end, citing ongoing issues with the construction of the Nova Centre as a factor in the move.

The Furniture store Attica, currently located on BarringtonStreet, will soon be shifting its operations to a newly constructed building at 3065 RobieStreet.

"Operating a furniture store has its challenges downtown anyway," Suzanne Saul, one of the store's co-owners, told CBC's Information Morning.

"And the past few years have been even more so."

Businesses seeking compensation

Attica is one of eight businesses that are seeking compensation for lost revenues due to construction. Business owners have said they've lost as much as 30 per centof their revenue fromdisruptions caused by the project.

Saul said, as a furniture store, Attica doesn't depend as much on pedestrian traffic to drum up businessand may not be as adversely affected by construction as other shops and restaurants.

But she said the convention centre's effecton foot traffic has still been challenging.

"We definitely can see an impact on our business."

• Nova Centre construction costing Halifax businesses big bucks

Increased parking, bigger floor space

When the lease on the store's space expired in July, Saul said they weighed the hassle of moving against the benefits of a larger floor space, increased parking and location free from the inconveniences affecting downtown.

"It's a big store to move," said Saul.

"So it's not a decision that we took lightly."

'Very challenging'

Saul said she and her partner also considered whether they could hold out for what BarringtonStreet could become once the construction wraps up, but decided it wasn't feasible.

"It's partly how long can you afford to wait,and the past three years certainly have been very challenging for us."

"I think it's going to be great, but I just don't know when."