The new Maison de Radio-Canada

MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - CBC/Radio-Canada's Board of Directors has selected the Broccolini group to build the new Maison de Radio-Canada and Groupe Mach to purchase the western part of the large property currently occupied by the public broadcaster's facilities.

"This is a major milestone in the new Maison de Radio-Canada and site revitalization project," said Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. "I'm extremely proud of the plan we're presenting. Most of all, I'm confident in the public broadcaster's future in Montreal. The new Maison de Radio-Canada will provide our employees – and creators of all disciplines – with an inspiring workplace where their talent can thrive and flourish."

A CREATIVE INNOVATION HUB

The new Maison de Radio-Canada, located at the corner of René-Lévesque Blvd and Papineau Ave., is at the heart of this ambitious site revitalization plan. A magnificent construction with an understated, contemporary elegance, it will be firmly rooted in the 21st century.

The creators and programmers working at Maison de Radio-Canada will enjoy a dynamic, stimulating living environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. They will have access to bright, modern and versatile spaces befitting a digital, multiplatform public broadcaster. The new Maison de Radio-Canada will become a showcase for the public broadcaster, with open, welcoming and inviting public spaces, both for visitors and the employees who work there every day.

"Just like the Radio-Canada tower, which has graced the Montreal skyline since 1973, the new Maison de Radio-Canada will quickly become an instantly recognizable landmark through its architecture and quintessentially Montreal innovative edge," said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. "This is excellent news for residents and merchants, knowing that an institution like Radio-Canada is committed to staying in the heart of the neighbourhood and, what's more, with a project firmly rooted in the community."

A creative hub for media and digital production in the city, Maison de Radio-Canada will remain the cultural, technological and community focal point that the public broadcaster has always been.

The new building will also meet the strictest environmental and sustainable development standards. Green spaces and rooftops, reduction of heat island effect, as well as eco-friendly water and energy management, are among the defining characteristics of the new MRC.

"The new Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal will be a one-of-a-kind environment where, building on our traditions, evolution and transformation, we can create the Radio-Canada of tomorrow," said Louis Lalande, Executive Vice-President of French Services.

A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR MONTREAL

Located at the foot of a Jacques-Cartier Bridge that will soon be lit up to celebrate Montreal's 375th anniversary, the Radio-Canada site redevelopment project is in the heart of a burgeoning neighbourhood. With the construction of the CHUM, the covering of the Ville-Marie expressway, improved waterfront access and booming real-estate development, the new Maison de Radio-Canada and the revitalization of its existing site and facility will contribute significantly to the urban renewal of a critical area in downtown Montreal. The MRC project is a key component in creating a new gateway to the city's east end that will make Montrealers proud.

In line with the Coderre administration's Downtown Strategy, and under the terms of the Development Agreement with the City of Montreal and the borough's zoning regulations, the revitalization plan for the block occupied by Radio-Canada needed to provide for an appropriate mix of space usage for the site, including social and community housing, affordable housing, and green spaces. The Groupe Mach proposal also looks at reconnecting certain streets to promote greater integration with the rest of the neighbourhood. This development strategy is consistent with the global trend toward the densification of large urban centres to promote sustainable development.

THE EXISTING TOWER WILL BE PRESERVED

As part of this extensive revitalization project, Groupe Mach's current plan calls for the Radio-Canada tower to be preserved, but converted for new use.

These two transactions are still subject to overall Treasury Board approval, with a decision expected in spring 2017. Based on the timeline presented by the Broccolini group, construction of the new Maison de Radio-Canada should be completed by early 2020.

About the consortium led by Broccolini
The consortium will consist mainly of the following four companies: Broccolini, Béïque Legault Thuot Architectes (BLTA), Dupras Ledoux ingénieurs, Quadrangle Architects Limited.

Over the past decade, Broccolini has developed and built close to 4 million square feet of office space. Founded in 1949, Broccolini is also the developer-builder behind the L'Avenue project, which is slated to become the tallest mixed-use building in Montreal. BLTA has completed nearly 2 million square feet of office space over the last ten years and has previously collaborated with Broccolini for the realization of the Export Development Canada head offices in Ottawa. In addition to designing the electromechanical systems for Cirque de Soleil's "O" performance hall, the firm Dupras Ledoux worked with Broccolini for the construction of the Merck Canada office project. The architectural firm Quadrangle has extensive experience in the realization of large-scale projects for clients in the telecommunications and media industries. Furthermore, Broccolini, BLTA and Dupras Ledoux worked conjointly for the development and realization of the L'Avenue project.

About the consortium led by Groupe Mach
Groupe Mach is one of the leading players in the Quebec real estate industry and one of the largest office building owners in Montreal and Quebec City. It develops or redevelops sites and matures them, respecting practical and realistic objectives by associating with experienced partners such as Provencher Roy and Groupe Montclair. These sites become, thanks to wise management, generators of new jobs and services to the community.

Groupe Mach is characterized by its strategic vision, expertise and know-how. Its desire to reconcile technical, economic, social and environmental imperatives makes him a rigorous, responsible and honest developer and manager.

For nearly 17 years, it has been working on the composition of a prestigious and well-balanced real estate portfolio covering all sectors of activity. It includes several Quebec jewels such as the Sun Life Building, the CIBC Tower and the Montreal Stock Exchange Tower. It currently holds 17 million square feet.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. We are Canada's trusted source of news, information and Canadian entertainment. Deeply rooted in communities all across the country, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight aboriginal languages. We also provide international news and information from a uniquely Canadian perspective.

Follow us on Twitter: @iciradiocanada

SOURCE CBC/Radio-Canada

For further information: Consortium led by Broccolini, Jean Langlois, Director, Communications and Marketing, Broccolini, 514-737-0076 ext. 262, Email: [e-mail]; Groupe Mach, Sylvie Rousseau, Director, Marketing and communications, Groupe Mach, 514-374-6224; Radio-Canada, Marc Pichette, Director, Public Relations, Promotion and Partnerships, Communications, Marketing and Brand, 514-597-4140