Live Nation to turn former downtown Chapters bookstore into music venue

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Live Nation Canada has reached a deal with the National Capital Commission to develop a spacious live-music venue in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

The new venue will occupy the commercial space at Rideau Street and Confederation Boulevard that formerly housed a major Chapters bookstore. Empty since 2022, it’s located next to the Rideau Centre and the ByWard Market, and easily accessible by public transit.

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It’s also a large room, with 3,805 m2 of space above ground and an additional 2,230 m2 of basement space, according to NCC specifications.

The new mid-size venue is expected to open in late 2025, after renovations.

In a statement, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum said the venue will help revitalize the downtown core. The commission purchased the property earlier this year for more than $20 million, as reported by CTV.

“This new state-of-the-art live music and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown will be a great destination for residents and visitors, contribute to increased economic activity for local restaurants and shops, and generate vibrancy and excitement for the National Capital Region as a whole,” he said.  

Wayne Zronik, Live Nation Canada’s president of business operations, described Ottawa as “one of the country’s most important markets for live music” and predicted a vibrant future for the new space, which has yet to be named.

“This new establishment will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the local entertainment scene and a beloved destination for years to come,” he added.

The Chapters/Indigo bookstore occupied the space for 26 years until 2022, when it moved to a smaller space inside the Rideau Centre. 

lsaxberg@postmedia.com

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