One of Richmond’s longest-running businesses could be about to make a U-turn.
The owner of Steveston Marine & Hardware, which has been on the go for 74 years, is kicking the tires on the idea of turning the store into a micro-brewery or small winery, both with tasting rooms.
Iqbal Ladha has applied to the City of Richmond for a rezoning for the Moncton Street property after being approached by several groups involved in the burgeoning microbrewery and boutique winery business.
The area around the property is currently zoned for general industrial use, which would permit a microbrewery. However, rezoning is required for bottle refilling.
Ladha said he won’t necessarily sell the property — he may lease it — and, if the deal goes through, he’s looking to relocate the current business elsewhere in Steveston or another area of Richmond.
“(The application) is working its way through the city process right now, so I’m hoping to hear back soon,” said Ladha, adding that the people inquiring about opening a winery are from California.
“This is a fantastic location for this kind of business, so I’m not surprised there’s interest from these groups.
“The whole core of Steveston is about to change,” he added.
If, for some reason, the microbrewery or winery deal doesn’t happen, Ladha said he’s also thinking about re-developing the building, with apartments on top of retail.
In any case, it looks as if Steveston Marine & Hardware — much like its Buck and Ear neighbour — is on borrowed time in its current guise, with Ladha citing changing demographics in the city, fishermen spending less money on equipment and “ridiculous parking rules” in the village as reasons for calling time.
“Steveston has a major parking problem; my customers can’t get parked anywhere near me,” he said.
Ladha, who also has two other outlets in Vancouver and Langley, said he would hope to stay in Steveston, perhaps at a harbour authority property, but most likely somewhere in Richmond.
“I’d consider the Onni building, but it’s way too expensive,” said Ladha, referring to the mixed maritime-zoned property in the contentious and vacant stores at Imperial Landing.
Rod’s Building: A grocery store?
Meanwhile, there are reports that Rod’s Building Supplies, also on Moncton Street, is in the process of being bought by a developer, on behalf of a supermarket chain, possibly Sobey’s.
Rod’s manager refused to comment on the reports, however, Sobey’s Western Canada office ruled itself out, saying it has nothing planned for the area.
