The government of Canada is providing $4.5 million in funding to a project by the Link Performing Arts Society, granted through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

This funding will allow the organization to renovate the former Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre, which spans 84,000 square feet, and transform it into a multidisciplinary cultural centre for the creation and presentation of theatre, dance, music and film.

“Cultural spaces like the future Link Arts Centre are outstanding gathering places that allow people from different artistic domains to come together to share their common interest in the arts and diverse forms of expression,” said The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, in a press release. “Our government is proud to help make this project a reality, which will make arts and culture accessible to all members of the community.”

The government of Nova Scotia is also investing $2.79 million in funding towards the project, while $2.9 million will be provided through the province’s Invest Nova Scotia program.

“The Halifax region has benefited greatly from arts and culture for many years. The Link Arts Centre will give our city and the whole region an additional asset,” added Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. “The artists, creators and the general public will now have access to modern and accessible spaces, right here in downtown Halifax.”

The final round of consultations are set to launch soon. The renovated space is expected to open in 2020.