TownePlace Suites by Marriott coming to Pictou County
TownePlace Suites by Marriott coming to Pictou County
NEW GLASGOW – A new hotel is coming to Pictou County.
Frank Barci, president of Barci Enterprises Inc. and his investment partner Carlos Lopes have purchased a two-acre lot in the East River Business Park which is co-owned by the Town of New Glasgow and Municipality of Pictou County. They will be constructing a hotel for TownePlace Suites, a hotel chain owned by Marriott International.
Construction on the 100-room hotel is expected to start in the spring of 2025.
Barci said he first heard about the land for sale in the East River Business Park through a representative who saw potential in the region. He did some initial background research about the area and the local accommodations market, but it was a trip to see the property in person that really sold him on the location.
Not only was it situated off the busy East River Road, which sees 30,000 vehicles a day, but it was near the Aberdeen Hospital and the Trans Canada Highway and just minutes away from malls and downtown New Glasgow. On top of all that, it had the visibility he was hoping for.
“It sits up high enough that when we build it people will be able to see it from the highway,” Barci said.
Barci said he was also impressed by the fact that the hotel he stayed in was full in the middle of the week. He could tell right away there was a need for more accommodations.
Frank MacFarlane, Business Development officer for the Town of New Glasgow and Municipality of Pictou County has been working with the developers from the start.
“When I eventually met Frank and Carlos on their visit to Pictou County in late Summer of 2022, I could tell immediately that they were impressed with the region and this strategic location and the opportunity for development,” MacFarlane said. “Within a couple of months, we hammered out a Purchase and Sale Agreement. It really has been a pleasure dealing with their group over the past two years. I can’t wait to see the site work begin.”
TownePlace Suites is a type of hotel that offers the option of long-term stay and each room will include a refrigerator and stove.
“They’ll have a place they can stay and cook their own meals instead of having to go out to a restaurant,” Barci said.
He said this should be particularly of interest for workers staying in the area temporarily or people with family staying at the Aberdeen Hospital for an extended period. It might also appeal to people coming into the area for sports events who want the ability to cook their meals.
The hotel will also feature a pool and on-site laundry services. Barci anticipates construction will take about 14-16 months.
Joe MacDonald, chair of the New Scotland Business Development Inc. which manages the East River Business Park, said the hotel will be a great addition to the business park and will benefit the entire community.
“It provides more short-term accommodations for professionals coming into the county, which should free up more available housing for other residents.”
Randy Palmer, who is vice-chair for business park said it’s a great announcement.
“I think it is a perfect fit for the Business Park,” Palmer said. “The location is ideal for businesses in the area and convenient for those coming to Pictou County for medical and health care services.”
MacFarlane believes it could foster further development.
“The addition of a branded hotel to this part of the County is a game changer, both in the potential future development it may encourage, and also in the way it remedies a service gap in the extended stay market,” he said.
For more information about land opportunities in the East River Business Park call Frank MacFarlane at (902) 755-3575 or email frank.macfarlane@newglasgow.ca.