MONCTON, N.B. - Moncton wants to build a large multi-purpose sports and recreation centre on the site of a downtown shopping mall in the New Brunswick city.
The city says it has purchased an option to buy the Highfield Square shopping centre property for $6 million.
A city spokesman says council has approved the plan.
The terms of the option give the city until Friday to close the deal.
Mayor George LeBlanc says the downtown landmark is a good site because it's within walking distance of many neighbourhoods and would help keep people in the city's centre.
Highfield Square has already announced it was putting the property up for sale and closing stores in the mall this fall.
