Construction at Moncton's historic Castle Manor is back on track

JayTsehas decided to continue workonthe $5 million Castle Manor redevelopment.

Progress was halted on the luxury condo project in July, when Tse, the developer, feuded with local officials over the mandated construction of a fully accessibleunit in the former nursing home.

I'm confident he'll be able to fill this unit if it's designed right.- Haley Flaro, Ability NB

Tse said at the timehe would not be able to sell the unit. The city told him he had no choice but to build it, citing provincial building regulations.

Tse says pressure from investors convinced him to move forward.

"The project's delayed too longand if we don't do it now,the building will keep on deteriorating," he said.

"We have to put a lot of personal feelings and business decisions aside. I was told to fix it."

Tse's crew started work on the underground services a week ago and on theinterior two weeks ago.

• CastleManor project on hold
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Windows have been ordered and he hopes to have at least two floors replaced by Christmas. He says work will continue inside throughout the winter.

Haley Flaro, of Ability NB, says she's pleased Mr. Tse has decided to build the accessible unit, considering the high number of seniors and other individuals with mobility issues in the province.

Flaro says the association has a list of about 150 people, from all income levels, looking for accessible housing.

"It makes not just health and social sense, it makes economic sense, so I'm confident he'll be able to fill this unit if it's designed right," saysFlaro.

Tse says he's still concerned about demand for the unit he conceded to build, and suggests Flaro might have the answer.

"I hope she can pass on her waiting list to me."

Tse says the project should be completed inOctober, 2016.