Next week, Victoria’s city council will see the first application for rezoning that would see a huge part of downtown Victoria completely transformed.
Four years ago, city council decided that the area surrounding Capital Iron between Store and Government Streets as well as between Chatham and Discovery Streets, would be turned into an ‘Arts & Innovation District.’
The area currently consists of 6.7 acres of unutilized land that is mostly parking lots and behind the Capital Iron building is a dishevelled portion of harbour that has not been used in decades.
The plan for this area, developed by Reliance Properties, would see arts brought in, housing be built, businesses be opened and public space be created for people to enjoy the harbour and area.
They say they want to see numerous multi-use buildings be erected between three and seven storeys as well as two towers designated for housing that would be 15 and 20 storeys.
Most notably, Reliance says that the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) plans on moving into this reinvigorated district.
“As a major public art museum in BC, moving to a vibrant new space in a central district dedicated to arts and culture will create enhanced opportunities for Victoria residents and visitors to access our collections, programs and exhibitions,” said Nancy Noble, the AGGV’s CEO and director.
“The Capital Iron lands are underutilized with few job spaces, no homes, and an inactive waterway,” said Jon Stovell, CEO of Reliance Properties.
“We designed a comprehensive smart-growth community that manifests Victoria’s 3.0 Vision of a ‘future-ready global influencer and innovator.’ Our proposal offers limitless economic growth potential and spinoff benefits that will ensure the district is unique, attractive and exciting for arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
The three Capital Iron heritage buildings will be kept mostly as-is and will be incorporated into modern architecture surrounding it, according to Reliance.
Along with Capital Iron itself having a new grand opening once work is complete, they say that there will also be live-work artist studios, new homes, high-value job spaces and spaces which can accommodate heavy and light industrial uses.
Another notable local company who wants in on the new District, saying they would be willing to relocate are Finest at Sea Ocean Products.
Finest at Sea says they would open along the waterfront behind the Capital Iron Building along the water. They are waiting on permission from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations as well as Transport Canada.
“We envision a move that helps revitalize the local fishing industry, including collaborating with First Nations groups, as our proposed water lot falls on traditional territory,” said Bob Fraumeni, owner of Finest at Sea.
Reliance CEO, Stovell says that the buzz created by their proposal is proof that it is needed.
“We hope staff and council continue building momentum for Capital Iron Lands, so the Arts & Innovation District can begin coming to fruition,” said Stovell.
On Thursday, April 18th, City staff will either recommend that council approve, revise or reject the application for the early-phase work to get underway.
What do you think of this proposed development in downtown Victoria? Let us know in the comments!
