The deconstruction of the old Highfield Square mall in Moncton is officially underway.
The mall is being torn down to make way for the proposed downtown entertainment centre.
Moncton mayor George LeBlanc used to work at the mall’s movie theatre as a teenager and was at the siteĀ to swing the ceremonial first sledgehammer.
He calls it a “bittersweet” day saying he spent many hours there when he was younger and grew to love the place.
He hopes the marquee stays up and they will be putting up a new sign that says ‘opening soon’.
Work is now underway inside the old mall, but pedestrians and drivers likely won’t notice much of a difference until the building starts to come down in about four weeks.
Deconstruction work is expected to be complete by the end of the year.