Demolition of buildings on Heritage Theatre Block starts soon in Brampton

The planned demolition of buildings on the historic Heritage Theatre Block will start next month to make way for “more vibrant and accessible public spaces” in Brampton, the city says.

Last year, Brampton City Council signed off on a plan to tear down buildings on Main Street North to create a new downtown destination in Brampton, to the surprise of some businesses.

The city now says properties between 30 and 60 Main Street North will start coming down early in June – the first step in a three-phase project to transform the downtown “into a hub of activity” with arts and culture attractions, restaurants, businesses and housing.

Most of the buildings are “not structurally sound” and mostly unoccupied, according to a city report. A few are listed as heritage properties, including the Heritage Theatre, which is not part of the upcoming demolitions.

The tear-downs will start next month and, once completed, the city will temporarily expand Garden Square “to create more usable space for the community and events,” adding that the “long-term plans for the Heritage Theatre and Southern Blocks” will come later.

“Improvements will include upgraded surfaces, new seating, landscaping and lighting to make downtown more inviting,” the city says.

In 2024, the city said the “strategic properties in the heart of Brampton will be re-imagined and transformed into an urban renewal project to support downtown revitalization.”

“The vision is to re-imagine these properties as a landmark development at the historic Four Corners, complementing the Rose Theatre, Garden Square and the Innovation District,” the city said of the Heritage Block redesign project.

Brampton’s downtown is also undergoing a years-long, multi-million dollar streetscaping upgrade project to bring new traffic lights, upgraded roads and other improvements to downtown, while Ken Whillans Square and Garden Square will also see redevelopments.

The city hasn’t said whether there will be additional road closures downtown for the Heritage Theatre Block demolitions, but said staff are “working closely with the Downtown Brampton BIA and local businesses to minimize disruption and maintain access throughout construction.”

“Residents are encouraged to continue shopping, dining and attending events in the area. To learn about what’s happening downtown, visit the Downtown Brampton BIA website,” the city says.