The 800-block of Robson Street will be closed to the public today (Aug. 11) as the city paves the area.
The block is being filled to create a single level surface between the sidewalk and the street — creating a flexible, functional and level plaza — in response to public and stakeholder input received through consultation on the space. It will be in place until construction begins next year on the permanent plaza.
It is expected to re-open Friday evening. Once the asphalt has dried, the space will be painted.
“Over 2,500 people pass through the Robson Street Plaza in an hour on a busy day,” said Margaret Wittgens, director of public space and street use. “By installing this temporary level surface, the plaza will become more accessible and more readily available for programming while we work on the details of the permanent plaza. It will also create a more seamless connection to the newly renovated north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.”
The Robson Street Plaza was initially a temporary public space, starting in 2011 the city’s Viva Vancouver program closed the block to traffic in the summer months. In the spring of 2016, council made the decision to turn the space into a permanent public plaza.
The final design for the plaza will include seating, lighting, public art and a level surface.
“It’s exciting to see 800 Robson come alive as an accessible, vibrant permanent plaza for residents and visitors alike to enjoy,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Set in the heart of downtown, 800 Robson has tremendous potential to become a world-class gathering place for people to connect not only with their city, but also with each other.”
For more information on the project, visit vancouver.ca/vivarobson.
