According to Mayor Gregor Robertson, the $14.8 million restoration of Vancouver’s heritage York Theatre as a new performing arts venue is good news for both the arts community and the city as a whole.
The renovated theatre would be operated by the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (VECC)
“Arts and culture play a huge role in our city, not just in bringing Vancouver to life but generating millions for our local economy,” Robertson said.
“To restore the York theatre and have the VECC operate it is a win-win and will be a great addition to the northern part of Commercial Drive.”
Originally built in 1913, the refurbished theatre will include a 365-seat auditorium, orchestra pit, a heritage lobby and ticket booth.
According to a release, all of the floor space of the original building will be maintained, and the project will be built to LEED Gold standards.
In 2008, when the building was at risk of demolition, Vancouver developer Wall Financial bought it, with the intention of restoring and preserving the theatre in exchange for development rights equivalent to a 20-storey building somewhere else in the city.
“I want to thank Peter Wall for his leadership in contributing to Vancouver’s arts and culture sector,” said Robertson.
“It’s great to see the private sector value the importance of the arts in Vancouver, and this project is a great example of that."
The city’s share of the $14.8 million restoration’s price tag is $13 million, with $1.8 million coming from a Heritage Canada grant.
Upon completion the city will take ownership of the property and then lease it to the VECC.
Jennifer Harrison