In 1956, the National Housing Act was amended, offering federal government assistance to redevelopment projects that put land to its "highest and best use".

Stephenson called the area now home to Scotia Square the "worst part" of the city centre, writing: "With the exception of the blocks between Barrington and Argyle Streets, it is in a generally deplorable condition.

Here are some of the worst tenements, and dirty cinder sidewalks merge with patches of cleared land littered with rubbish.

"[1] Stephenson proposed a suite of recommendations across Halifax including the clearance of what was termed the "Central Redevelopment Area".

The City of Halifax applied for (and won) funds under section 23 of the National Housing Act to aid in land acquisition and clearance.

In September 1963, the Woking Group submitted a more modest proposal developed with the assistance of architects Robert Matthew and Percy Johnson-Marshall of the University of Edinburgh.

Appleyard, an engineer who had helped set up Industrial Estates Limited, was critical of the city's failure to develop the Central Redevelopment Area.

The company informed Halifax council of their plans, and hired architect Carl Koch and real estate consultant William Hardman.

The city issued a second call for proposals, which this time attracted three entrants – HDL, Woking Group, and local developer Ralph Medjuck.

A formal agreement between HDL and the City of Halifax was signed on 31 August 1966 and construction of the Trade Mart, the first phase of the development, began thereafter.

[4] The shopping centre, called Scotia Mall, housed tenants such as Famous Players cinema and a Woolco department store.

In addition to offices, retail space, and a hotel, Scotia Square was designed to include several apartment buildings.

[12] The original development plan called for an apartment building at the north end of the parking garage.

In the 1980s, a footbridge was built across the Cogswell Interchange linking Barrington Place to the Purdy's Wharf development on the waterfront.

It was to be an 18-storey building with retail, residential, and office space with a more pedestrian-friendly street frontage than the current blank wall.

The Westhill on Duke proposal was superseded in 2023 by "The Marlstone", a 291-unit residential building that began construction the same year.

[24] Scotia Square consists of a shopping mall, two hotels, and a number of office and apartment towers connected to each other and to other buildings by pedways and tunnels.

In the centre of the complex is Scotia Square Mall and a large food court servicing the adjoining office buildings.

As part of a renovation and expansion of the Scotia Square shopping centre on Barrington Street, an indoor waiting room was added for Halifax Transit passengers.

[37] There are plans to expand and enhance Scotia Square Terminal as part of the Cogswell Interchange redevelopment project, adding dedicated transit lanes, seating, improved lighting, canopies, and electronic signage.