Jason Gomke fondly reminisces about the bustling days of Brunswick Square, where a vibrant food court once attracted high school students and office workers frequented the Starbucks on the second floor. However, in recent years, the mall has experienced a decline, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic.
Having been a regular visitor to the mall since the 1980s and later working in the Uptown area for two decades, Gomke remains optimistic about the mall’s potential for revival. In a bold move, he has opened a takeout eatery catering to high school students and a souvenir and ice cream shop on the mall’s second floor.
The dwindling foot traffic at Brunswick Square reflects a broader trend of struggling malls and office buildings in North American city centers. Despite its global property portfolio, the company owning Brunswick Square faces significant challenges in Saint John, with the office tower currently having approximately 180,000 square feet of vacant space.
Although some long-term tenants remain, such as Lawton’s Drugs and CBC News, the overall vacancy rates paint a concerning picture. Ravelin Properties, the company behind the mall, has shown a renewed commitment to revitalizing the space. CEO Shant Poladian emphasizes the importance of community involvement in this endeavor, seeking input and ideas to breathe new life into Brunswick Square.
Urban planners and experts have long debated strategies to rejuvenate city center malls, with a consensus emerging around the need for increased residential and commercial activity. While population growth can be a catalyst for downtown revitalization, its impact on commercial spaces remains uncertain, as seen in other urban areas.
In Saint John, recent population growth in the Central Peninsula offers a glimmer of hope for Brunswick Square. However, challenges persist in attracting essential services like grocery stores to the mall. National chains have explored the idea but cited insufficient local population density as a barrier to establishing a presence in the area.
Looking ahead, discussions about repurposing the office tower for residential use have surfaced as a potential solution. Poladian remains open to exploring different options, including converting office spaces into apartments to adapt to changing market dynamics. Collaboration and transparency will be key in shaping the future of Brunswick Square and its surrounding community.