The City of Vancouver has stopped processing Bonnis Properties’ application to redevelop the Hollywood Theatre into a two-storey fitness facility.
The city’s general manager of planning, Brian Jackson, told council in a January 10 memo that city staff had “determined that there is an encroachment agreement in place since 1984, which requires the owner to remove the rear 10 feet of the building in the event of a change in use from its current use as a theatre.”
Council approved, on November 6, a 75-day temporary protection order to postpone demolition of the iconic 79-year-old theatre and give staff a chance to draft a memo on the proposed changes.
That protection order was set to expire on January 20.
“Jackson’s update reinforces assurances I have been sending to Kitsilano residents anxious to ensure there is no threat to demolish the theatre,” said councilor Geoff Meggs in a blog post.
“The city has carefully reviewed the history of this site and the current application with the owner and it is clear, to both sides, that the current proposal cannot proceed.”
Bonnis Properties bought the theatre in 2011 and left it empty before leasing it to the Point Grey Community Church in September 2012.
Word of the proposal is good news for the thousands of people who have signed petitions at sites such as Change.org and those who have been involved with the Save the Hollywood Coalition.
