A Liquor Mart megastore will be one of the features of the future True North Square, the Winnipeg Sun has learned.

Multiple sources told the Sun the government-run liquor sales operation will be brought into the fold as one of the feature businesses in the grandiose $400-million development under construction on Carlton Street.

True North Sports and Entertainment will hold a 10 a.m. press conference at MTS Centre on Wednesday where they will unveil "the project's partners and lead tenants."

Andrea Kowal, a spokeswoman with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, confirmed to the Sun there would be a Liquor Mart in True North Square, but declined to reveal any further details, including what impact it would have on existing locations in Cityplace and on Ellice Avenue.

"From what I heard, it will be the largest liquor store in town," a source said. "They're going to bring in some partners and do some different things that they haven't done in other places."

Another source said intitial plans indicate the location could be as large as 55,000 sq. ft.

True North Square is one of the most audacious developments the city has seen and has had Winnipeggers wondering about its direction since renderings and a video were released last February.

Jino Distasio, director of the University of Winnipeg's Institute of Urban Studies, told the Sun last week True North Square has a potential to wow like few other projects before it.

"I really think Winnipeggers are embracing the fact that this is a wow factor," Distasio said. "I cannot think of another $400-million project in our downtown, in our city that's been primarily led by the private sector. That's the key part to this."

Published reports indicated law firm Thomas Dorfmann Sweatman would be the anchor tenant, while multiple outlets reported Sutton Place Hotels would also have a place. Sutton Place Hotels is owned by hospitality giant Northland Properties, whose president is Tom Gaglardi, the owner of the Dallas Stars. The team was in town Tuesday night for a game against the True North-owned Jets.

Northland Properties also operates Sandman Hotel, as well as Moxies and Shark Club, both of which are located near MTS Centre.

dlarkins@postmedia.com

Twitter: @LarkinsWSun