Two major construction projects are closer to breaking ground in downtown St. John's after city council approved the expropriation of several properties Monday night.

Councillors voted to take over a piece of land on Bell Street between Duckworth Street and Henry Street. The land is already marked for a parking garage that's expected to service planned condo projects in the former CBC and Newtel buildings.

The city has announced there will also be spaces for public parking in the garage.

Council also voted to expropriate four pieces of private property to make way for a new convention centre. One of those buildings includes the Jighouse liquor store on New Gower Street.

Mayor Dennis O'Keefe said the city tried to negotiate with the owners, but found there was no point in further negotiations.

"We've been at it now a fair while," said O'Keefe.

He said there are other properties that could still be expropriated if negotiations prove unsuccessful.

"We want to conclude all of the property acquisitions by the end of September or the middle of October at the latest," said O'Keefe.

He said, despite the expropriations, the city has still been able to successfully conclude agreements with many of the property owners affected by the new projects.

It's estimated the developments will generate millions of dollars for the city.