The reality of a revitalized downtown public market is one step closer following a conditional agreement inked between the City of Greater Sudbury and CP Rail for the purchase of the site of the CPR/Via Rail Station on Elgin Street.

“We have reached a milestone in the future of our public market and Sudbury’s downtown,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk in a media release Oct. 1.

The agreement is contingent on the completion of several steps to meet requirements for due diligence, including an environmental assessment of soil conditions on the CPR property, it was stated in the press release.

Matichuk praised CP Rail officials and city staff for the negotiations she led over the summer.

“I want to thank CP Rail and city council for sharing in the vision of a public market that will be enjoyed by all residents for many years to come,” she said. “It’s very exciting to be able to move this project, our downtown and our city, forward.”

“The City of Greater Sudbury remains committed to opening a downtown market for the 2013 season,” said Greater Sudbury Economic Development Director Ian Wood. “The conversion of industrial land to public use is a lengthy process that requires due diligence on the part of the municipality. We are optimistic that we can finalize the sale and relocate the market to the CP Rail station in time for opening next spring.”

Market Square will continue to operate at its current location at the corner of Elm and Elgin streets until Oct. 28. Hours of operation are Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.