A rendering of what the Centreville NEST affordable housing complex would look like. Photo: NEST.

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) has entered into negotiations with Nest Affordable Living Association (NEST) for the sale of the former Centre School property.

NEST, a leading affordable housing association based in Bridgewater, aims to convert the former school facility into 100 affordable rental units, along with commercial community space. The proposed project has received full support from the Mayor and Council, who believe it will bring positive outcomes to the community.

The current focus for NEST involves undertaking environmental and construction refit design and engineering processes to revitalize the former school facility. The building holds nostalgic significance for numerous individuals across the region.

NEST President, Matthew Thompson, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Municipality, stating, “We are pleased to be working with the Municipality to bring this important project to our community. We look forward to working together to create a vibrant, sustainable community that will provide much-needed affordable housing for the municipality.”

The envisioned development, named Centre Village, will feature 100 deeply affordable living units, ranging from bachelor apartments to three-bedroom residences. Additionally, the project will include a social community business incubator site, 10 commercial spaces, 20 short-term rental suites, a café, and a convenience store.

Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-Getson acknowledged the housing crisis faced by many Nova Scotia municipalities and expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Municipality and NEST. She believes that Centre Village will address the community’s pressing need for affordable housing.

For individuals seeking more information on Centre Village, the Capital Campaign, or how to contribute to the project, they can visit nesthousing.ca.

As negotiations progress between MODL and NEST, the community eagerly anticipates the transformation of the former Centre School property into a hub of affordable housing and commercial activity, addressing the pressing need for accessible and sustainable housing in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.