An Innovation District is in the works to link Downtown, SkyTrain, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University with tech and creative businesses, housing, and public spaces and amenities. After a market research first phase, a land use and urban design plan will now be created as the project’s second phase.
The City’s Official Community Plan (OCP) includes a vision for an innovation district capitalizing on Downtown as an existing activity hub, SkyTrain’s connectivity, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s educational and research programs to create a dynamic corridor where everything from transportation, technology, science, research, and manufacturing will showcase new ways of thinking.
For the first phase of the Glover Road Innovation District Plan, a Market Research and Development Strategy was developed to study the market demand and constructability of buildings with various combinations of commercial/office, industrial, and residential to ensure the plan is grounded in realistic feasibility.
With this work completed, the second phase will entail:
- Developing a detailed land use plan that brings together research, technology, creative industry, housing, and gathering places;
- Creating a public realm plan identifying amenities like plazas, parks, public art, and new streets and paths; and
- Assembling supportive design guidelines and other policy tools
The City has retained Arcadis, a globally recognized urban planning and design firm, to prepare this Phase 2 land use and urban design plan.
Stay up-to-date
Multiple public engagement events will form part of this project, with the first phase expected in Fall 2025. Further details will be provided here once available.
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