Thanks for the comments.
Feel free to email Kyle your support for the idea.... still waiting for my long-promised meeting!
As a courtesy, I spoke with David Pontarini (the architect of record for the stalled 2004 three building proposal).
He didn't mind the intrusion at all and seemed genuinely interested in the "rethink". I also sent him most the stuff from this thread. David confirmed that the owners tried to sell the site (without success)... so it's available for the right price.
Let's face it, most potential buyers are intimidated by the "socio-economic challenges of the area. But a new hotel around the corner plus the possibility of a new neighbourhood built on the armoury site.... things are definitely looking up.