Developers looking to make their mark in one of Saskatoon’s fastest changing areas, the scenic riverfront property in Riversdale, will likely have greater architectural flexibility when it comes to drawing up plans for the sought after land.

The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) on Friday amended the development review guidelines for River Landing in Riversdale, changing the maximum allowed building height, density levels and where townhouses and work units can be located.

One of the goals behind the amendments was to develop and foster a “living, vibrant place where there will be lots of people and lots of action,” said Susan Lamb, chief executive officer of the MVA.

“We want stores, shops, bars and restaurants and things that will draw people and not something that will be empty during the day,” she said.

Lamb said she expects the amendments will appeal to potential developers.

“Certainly [the amendments] will make it more flexible for developers and that should help them decide that this is a place they want to locate.”

The amendments are expected to be voted on by city council on Aug. 15.

If given the nod of approval, Lamb said the maximum allowable building height will be 95 meters or 30 stories.

Friday’s amendments come after a plan to develop an eco-friendly village, complete with sustainable and affordable housing, retail and commercial spaces fell through in March as a result of lack of financial support.

Pitched by Prairie Ecovillage Development Corp. (PEDCO), plans to develop the eco-village were axed because the developers were not able to meet the city’s June deadline.

“Our initial challenges began when the global financial crisis resulted in a radical change of lending habits by financial institutions, which have had a direct impact on the urban condo market,” PEDCO chair Rick Olmstead said in a news release.

“More recently, prospective development partners have become concerned with increase risks that would be associated with another novel downtown residential condo at this time.”

The $35-million, 65 unit housing project was planned for the intersection of 19th Street West and Avenue C South.