The iconic Heritage Theatre in downtown Brampton is scheduled for demolition in December 2020.

Council approved a staff recommendation to demolish the 97-year-old structure — located at 86 Main St. N. in downtown Brampton — at its May 29 meeting, citing safety and liability concerns, and several failed attempts to sell the property.

“The Heritage Theatre Block is in poor condition, with issues including the presence of mould and asbestos, and structural instability. It also poses a liability risk to the city, in light of regular break-ins,” said media spokesperson, Natalie Stogdill.

“The city has used several approaches, with the support of external real estate sales expertise, to sell the property, but did not receive a suitable proposal,” she added.

According to a report in the Brampton Guardian from Jan. 30, 2018, the city received significant interest from developers wishing to purchase the property, but the right deal never materialized.

“We are looking for ingenuity. We are looking for the private sector or any of those who are interested to give us their best proposals,” said commissioner of community service, Al Meneses, at the time.

Demolition is expected to begin after the lease at 76-78 Main St., located in the same block, expires on Dec. 31, 2020.

“Demolition of the facility allows the city to pursue new approaches to public space and future development, creating more opportunity in the downtown. Before demolition, council will have an opportunity to review options for future use and cost considerations,” added Stogdill.

The city said it plans to use the property as additional public space after it’s demolished until a suitable use for the land is decided, adding all reasonable efforts will be made to salvage any items of historical or cultural significance from the once iconic downtown landmark.

Originally called the Capitol Theatre, the building was constructed in 1922, opening its doors on Feb. 28, 1923 showing silent films and vaudeville acts. It was sold to the Odeon Corporation in 1946 and converted into a motion picture theatre.