The only reason why the Aquillini's would acquire the entire Crowne Plaza block would be to keep their options open in terms of a major future development.
For example, Moncton still lacks a real convention centre. In fact, of all the "big five" Maritime cities, Moncton arguably has the poorest convention facilities. The Delta Beausejour does have conference rooms and a large ballroom, but this is not sufficient for anything larger than medium sized regional meetings and conventions. The Crowne Plaza block however could be redeveloped to include a major convention facility. Such a facility in this location could have synergies with the events centre across the street, and could be serviced by a refurbished Crowne Plaza hotel as well as the new Hyatt and Hilton hotels in the neighbourhood.
I could envisage a completely refurbished Crowne Plaza, with an adjacent convention centre situated on the next-door retail plaza (and SMT) lots, possibly with a second hotel tower above (either an expanded Crowne Plaza or a new banner). There could be new ground floor retail and restaurants and there would be plenty of room in behind for a multi-level parking facility to service the hotel(s), convention centre and the events centre.
A convention centre project such as this would be the ideal use for this land.........