Construction on the new Halifax Convention Centre in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia is now expected to be completed by August 2017, with an opening set for December 2017.

Argyle Developments announced that the revised schedule is the result of design amendments on the Market Street side of the facility. When complete, the $169.2 million centre will have 120,000 square feet of event space, including two convention levels and a mix of multi-purpose, meeting and ballroom space.

The Halifax Convention Centre is part of the Nova Centre, a one-million square-foot, mixed-used development being constructed by Argyle Developments. The centre includes a hotel, financial tower and retail space, and is the largest integrated development project in the province’s history.

“The public engagement process that resulted in a complete redesign of the Nova Centre has made for a better project, however it has also impacted approval processes and the construction timeline,” said Joe Ramia, president and chief executive officer of Argyle Developments Inc. “We appreciate the community’s continued support and collaboration as we focus all efforts on delivering a state-of-the-art facility to the Halifax Convention Centre.”

The change to the construction schedule impacts 22 national and international events booked in 2017 as well as local clients. Steps are underway to work on alternative arrangements.

“We know the new Halifax Convention Centre will deliver an unforgettable event experience for our guests and make our community proud,” said Carrie Cussons, acting president and chief executive officer of the Halifax Convention Centre Corp. “We will continue with our sales efforts while ensuring our team is ready to open and operate.”