Armour Group’s Waterside Centre is going to an appeal.

In a statement released Friday, Armour president Doug MacIsaac said that appealing to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board is an “unprecedented decision” for the company.

“Armour has historically respected the decisions of council, viewing them as reflections of public opinion,” MacIsaac said.

“However following the recent session of council, there was immediate public backlash… We have also been asked by many individuals and many members of the business community to appeal this decision to the UARB.”

Premier Rodney MacDonald was so upset at council’s decision he threatened to enact legislation that would overturn it.

Stephen Lund, the CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc., called council’s decision embarrassing and a step back for Halifax.

Both said the development is a loss for the city and province because it would create much-needed class A office space in the downtown.

The project would’ve preserved the facades of six heritage buildings on the corner of Duke, Hollis and Upper Water Streets and put a six-storey glass tower on top.

Armour said it’s the only economically sustainable solution to redevelop the site.

The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia has led the fight against the development. Trust president Phil Pacey said Friday the appeal is unfortunate, but Armour has the right to do so.

After council’s decision, Armour applied for demolition permits for the four other buildings, in addition to the existing one for O’Carroll’s.

To stop those demolitions, Pacey has offered to help find tenants to protect the future of the buildings, but Armour said the status quo is not an option. Pacey is also hoping a land exchange with the province can be a solution.