Vancouver Cultural Precinct Options approved by council
The Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society is pleased to announce the completion of Phase I of its Vancouver Cultural Precinct (VCP) Feasibility study, which was delivered to Vancouver City Council yesterday.
We are grateful to council for approving the motion brought by Councillor Kirby-Yung, which requests staff to continue working with the VCP, and to permit the VCP to explore the potential of sharing the site of the new Vancouver Art Gallery at Larwill Park.
The VCP is a project of the Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society. 26 performing arts groups are working together in the project to support their shared vision for new and improved performing arts facilities in Vancouver.
Diamond Schmitt Architects were engaged to undertake a feasibility study, Part I of which was released today. It identifies the need for a new 1800 seat music hall and a smaller 450 multiuse hall, as well as the need to consider renovations to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Playhouse and the Orpheum.
Three site options, all preliminary and needing extensive study, include the current Queen Elizabeth Theatre site, sharing the new Vancouver Art Gallery site, and Robson Square.
The feasibility study has determined that some of the world’s most exciting and talented artists and events live in or visit Vancouver. The city offers residents and visitors cultural adventures which showcase an amazing array of talent. The unique artistry of indigenous artists adds to audience interest in Vancouver. Now we have an opportunity for our city to leverage its distinct cultural values as we examine ways to grow Vancouver’s reputation as a performing arts destination. Our cultural place in the world will boost the vibrancy, economy and livability of our city and province.
Quotes:
“It is a thrill to see the combined interest of the partner organizations coming together in this plan. The Vancouver Cultural Precinct will place Vancouver on the world’s performing arts stage.”
—Suzanne Anton KC, Chair Vancouver Cultural Precinct
“Developing a cultural precinct is a fantastic opportunity for artists, arts organizations and audiences in Vancouver. This initiative will play an incredible role in elevating Vancouver as a global centre for the arts for residents and visitors alike.”
—Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver
“I am so excited by the possibilities. We have an incredible opportunity to create a cultural precinct in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, and to co-locate new performing arts facilities together with the envisioned new Vancouver Art Gallery. A cultural precinct would support unmet space needs for music and performing arts organizations, create a lasting cultural legacy that would help our arts sector thrive, support a vibrant City, boost the economy, help make Vancouver a performing arts destination, and provide incredible experiences for residents.”
—Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, Council representative to the Vancouver Art Gallery
“As the councillor who brought forward a successful motion to secure city funding for the new cultural precinct feasibility study, I am delighted to see this ambitious plan progress. I can’t think of any other site better suited to expanding our city’s cultural district than Larwill Park – adjacent to the future art gallery, the Queen Elizabeth and the Playhouse, and at the crossroads of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhoods.'“
—Councillor Peter Meiszner, Council representative to the Vancouver Art Gallery
“With this cultural precinct, Vancouver and international artists will have the venues they need to show the brilliant multicultural art and artists who perform on the stages of Vancouver.”
—Councillor Lenny Zhou, Council representative to Vancouver Civic Theatres
“The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has been seeking a new concert hall for 3 decades. With this project, the VSO will be able to properly show the incredible talent of local and visiting artists. Businesses are more likely to locate and thrive where there are vibrant arts scenes. This project will be transformational for business and tourist attraction in Vancouver.”
—David Garofalo, Chair & CEO of Gold Royalty Corp, Chair Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
“Our firm has rarely seen such energy, passion and commitment from so many organizations to create something truly transformational.”
—Don Schmitt CM, Founder of Diamond Schmitt Architects
Contact:
Suzanne Anton KC, Chair
604-970-6961
Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung
Vancouver City Council
Councillor Peter Meiszner
Vancouver City Council
Councillor Lenny Zhou
Vancouver City Council