What to do with the vast empty space left at Cataraqui Centre? A real estate expert shares some ideas 

Primaris has reclaimed the lease on the space previously occupied by Hudson's Bay.

Now that Hudson's Bay has ceased operations, what will property owners do the fill that empty space inside shopping malls?

The Cataraqui Centre in Kingston is one of hundreds of malls across Canada that are left to figure that out after the closure of the 355-year-old retailer on Sunday.

Some ideas being floated around include another retailer like a Walmart or Canadian Tire, amusement centre, or fitness club.

A local realtor with a background in commercial real estate suggests turning that space into residential units.

Candice LaFramboise (AKA the Raspberry Real Estate Agent) with Century 21 Heritage Group in Kingston says there are not many businesses, either in Canada or the United States, that are large enough to take over the space left by Hudson's Bay.

She adds that shopping centres are becoming a dying breed.

Primaris REIT, the owner of the Cataraqui Centre, announced in May that they will reclaim the leases of 5 locations that were previously held by Hudson's Bay later in June.

LaFramboise says that would indicate that they would like to see another retail tenant in that spot.

LaFramboise shares the same sentiment as other Canadians who say it is sad that the Bay is no longer in business.

KingstonDaily.ca has reached out to the Cataraqui Centre and Primaris but have been unable to get a comment.

Story by Ken Hashizume