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It used to be that anyone who had lived in the City of St. Catharines for a period of time would be able to recognize the development in the Ridley/Fourth Avenue area. However, the area represents an astounding amount of growth; growth that has been highly visible in the last five years and is expected to continue for next five to ten years. The area consists of multiple influencers that have had a significant impact on the growth of the area. This growth will facilitate the need for more commercial and industrial developments and redevelopments in the Vansickle-Ridley industrial area.
A prime location for commercial and industrial development
The Vansickle-Ridley Business and Industrial Park is located near the western urban boundary of the City of St. Catharines and is part of the larger Louth Street and Fourth Avenue sector, which has experienced considerable growth in the last five years and is expecting to see more growth in the next five to ten years. The overall area has been developed with a mix of uses, including large format retail, industrial, neighbourhood commercial, and residential.
The area is afforded access to Highway 406 at Louth Street, while access to the QEW is located a short distance from the industrial park, with access just off of Third Street. The Ridley area consists of newer growth within St. Catharines and is considered to be suitable for new developments, as well as redevelopments within the older industrial properties scattered throughout.
New infrastructure requires growth
There are key influencers in the Ridley area that have transformed the area into a prime commercial sector. Commercial developments in St. Catharines in the Ridley-Fourth Avenue area have consisted of large format retailers (including Loblaws Superstore, Walmart, Canadian Tire & The Brick), which has encouraged several neighbourhood "strip" plazas and retail stores.
The new Regional hospital site has also had a large impact on the area. The hospital, located on the southwest corner of Fourth Avenue and First Street, commenced patient care in May 2013. There are vacant parcels of land to the west and east of the hospital, and will be developed with commercial and commercial/industrial uses.
Locating opportunities in growth
There are plenty of opportunities within the City of St. Catharines for commercial and industrial development and redevelopment, it's just knowing where to look. You'll need to connect with a Niagara real estate appraiser to fully understand the valuation and potential of an area of property in the commercial sector when you're looking to invest in Niagara. Connect with me today to discover the opportunities in the Niagara rental market. For information on other industrial areas within St. Catharines, read my blog on Martindale Hannover and the Brock Business Park.
