Exactly how the space will operate — and meet costs — is still up in the air. He’s in early talks with local tech companies and organizations about what can be done to set up programming.

As for cost, Higgins expects the programming to operate much like hockey, where there is a user-pay system, but it will operate on a not-for-profit basis.

While there are questions yet to be answered, Higgins felt it was important to get the ball rolling.

“I hate that we’re referred to as the Silicon Valley of the north,” said Higgins. “Who wants to be second place to something? There was just something kind of funky about that.

“We’re open with our willingness to invest and make it happen. It’ll be up to those who wish to partner.”

The property on which the development sits takes up nearly an entire city block, with Night School remaining on the south end of the block at Princess Street.

Two towers emerging from a podium — one being 10 storeys and another 16 — are planned for the site.

Before planning can continue, the City of Waterloo must approve a number of requests. Those requests, which come to Waterloo city council in the form of an informal meeting March 5, are:

• Increase the maximum building height within 30 metres of King Street from 16 metres (four storeys) to 58.25 metres (14 storeys).

• An increase in density from 250 dwelling units per hectare to 571.

• An increase in maximum floor area ratio, from 3.0 to 12.4.

• Permission to use a combination of private indoor and rooftop decks as contributing toward the minimum required amenity area.

Assuming there are no delays in the approval process, Higgins is hoping he can get shovels in the ground this spring or summer.