Just in time for sunnier days, the City of Vancouver has re-opened the 800 Robson Street plaza as a permanent location.
Situated between the law courts and the Vancouver Art Gallery, what the Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart is hailing as "Vancouver's next great public square" is set to serve as a space for community events and daily use for outdoor socialization.
The space was used as a "pop-up plaza" during the 2010 Olympics, and over the following decade was adapted seasonally as a temporary plaza during spring and summer.
"The completion of the public-plaza project at 800 Robson Street is the culmination of Arthur Erickson’s vision for the area dating back to the 1970s," notes the City of Vancouver in a media release.
In order to make the plaza permanent and suitable for year-round use, the block was closed permanently to traffic in 2016. In 2019, construction began, and ultimate the space was renovated to feature the following:
- An open space for year-round public events with moveable seating and tables, new benches and permanent seating
- A level, continuous surface that connects to šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (located on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery)
- Improvements at the intersection of Hornby and Robson streets for people walking, rolling, and biking:
- An “all walk” pedestrian signal
- New safety features and enhancements for the bike lane
- Improved power connections for performers and speakers, and improved lighting for events
- A public art piece called the “Weekend Chime,” by artist Brady Cranfield
"Weekend Chime" happens to be where Vancouver-based rockers Loverboy comes into the picture; the sound installation will play notes based on the chorus of "Working for the Weekend," at 5 p.m. every Friday (of course!). "The artwork explores themes of class, labour struggles and the versatility of pop music," explains the City of Vancouver.
“When we can socialize and come together again, this beautiful outdoor plaza will provide a safe and accessible space for people to reconnect and enjoy community events for years to come," said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
“This past year has proven just how important great public spaces are to strengthening our sense of community and giving people a place to connect with each other,” added Stewart.
The project was funded through a partnership between the City of Vancouver, the B.C. government, and TransLink.
