A scaled-down version of the Griffintown revitalization project has been approved by the city of Montreal.
Griffintown, just west of Old Montreal, will undergo a 40,000 square-metre construction project that will include 1,400 condominium units, stores, offices and a 200-room hotel.
Some Griffintown residents have blasted the city over the redesign, saying it paves over local character.
"I don't find the way it's being redeveloped is a long-term plan. There's a lot of history here, and all these condos going up -- there's no soul anymore. That's what makes a city interesting, the soul," said resident Veronique Miljkovitch, who opposes the project.
Nevertheless, Phase I of the four-phase project is set to begin next year. The first phase will cost $475 million and is expected to be completed by 2015.
Developers Devimco say they expect a mock-up of the plan by late summer.
Phases II, III and IV will be completed by 2025, said developers.
