The City of Burnaby has recently approved the Buchanan West Master Plan concept, which aims to transform a 10-acre site in the Brentwood neighborhood into a sustainable and vibrant mixed-use community.
The Buchanan West Master Plan concept has been given the green light by the City of Burnaby. This initiative aims to revamp a 10-acre site in Brentwood and turn it into a sustainable mixed-use community with residential, commercial, and community spaces. Divided into four quadrants, each quadrant has its unique features and offerings.
The redevelopment of the site has been in the works for some time, but it was only in the past year that the City began the process of developing a concept plan and initiating public consultation in January. After a public hearing last month, the plan was granted final adoption on Monday. The 10.68-acre site is located a few blocks away from Brentwood Mall, bounded by Halifax Street and Lougheed Highway to the north and south, Gilmore Avenue to the west, and Douglas Road and Madison Avenue to the east.
Buchanan West site context. (City of Burnaby) Buchanan West and existing surroundings. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)
According to a concept book for the master plan, prepared by Vancouver-based Chris Dikeakos Architects (CDA), the Buchanan West site in Brentwood is one of the largest in the area and requires a “holistic vision” to guide its redevelopment. The proposed vision involves up to 12 mixed-use buildings, comprising of over 6,000 housing units and a million square feet of commercial space, including retail, office, and hotel space.
The architects propose that the taller buildings be located along Lougheed Highway to frame the major arterial and reinforce the urban image and skyline of Brentwood Town Centre. In contrast, lower-density buildings will be situated along Buchanan Street, one of two new roads to be constructed on the site. The architects suggest two new internal roads to provide access to individual sites and divide the master plan site into four city blocks. Additionally, an urban square or plaza is envisioned at the heart of the site.
Concept plan for Buchanan West. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)The four quadrants of the Buchanan West site. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)
According to the general concepts outlined by the City and the concept book prepared by CDA, each of the four quadrants has a unique vision for the Buchanan West site.
The Northwest Quadrant already has several newer residential developments, including the Triumph Tower and the Halifax Residence. Thus, the only plans for this quadrant are roads that will run through the site and some landscape enhancements.
In contrast, the Northeast Quadrant comprises a single large development site at 4201 Lougheed Highway, which currently houses a hotel. The development site is deemed suitable for two mixed-use high-rise buildings, with one tower anticipated to include a replacement hotel. Although the towers may have some office space, the focus will mainly be on residential and hospitality uses.
Artistic drawing of the Northeast Quadrant. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)
The Southeast Quadrant is designed to offer substantial commercial opportunities and seamless integration with existing and proposed streets and developments to the east and south. The plan identifies two mixed-use high-rise buildings for each development site. The edges along Lougheed, Carleton, Buchanan, and Madison are envisioned to have a commercial character, with active retail uses on the ground floor and opportunities for office, hospitality, and residential uses on the upper floors.
Artistic drawing of the Southeast Quadrant. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)
The Southwest Quadrant is envisioned to have a vital role in creating a sense of arrival and gateway into the Town Centre from the west, along with the Gilmore Place development emerging to the south. The plan proposes each development to consist of a residential tower ranging from 52 to 58 storeys, along with a lower residential and mixed-use building of different heights. The towers will be arranged in a staggered or checkerboard pattern to provide adequate spacing and access to light.
Artistic drawing of the Southwest Quadrant. (City of Burnaby / Chris Dikeakos Architects)
The Buchanan West Master Plan concept includes more than 6,000 housing units and one million square feet of commercial space, including ground-level retail and restaurants, according to a concept book by Vancouver-based Chris Dikeakos Architects (CDA).
The site will also feature a community center, public plaza, green spaces, and public art installations. The master plan was developed collaboratively by the City of Burnaby, local developers, and architects, with construction set to begin in the near future and expected to take several years to complete.
The development is praised for its focus on sustainability and livability, with the potential to benefit the local economy, provide diverse housing, and create an inclusive community space that fosters social connections and environmental responsibility.
To read more local news and updates please check our BLOG PAGE
Are you looking for fun and exciting things to do in Burnaby this May? Look no further than the list of events below!
Burnaby is a bustling city that always has something going on, and May 2023 is no exception. From outdoor concerts to cultural festivals, there are plenty of events to attend and enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:
The Burnaby Farmers Market is a weekly outdoor market that runs from May to October. It features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. The market is a great place to find unique gifts and support local businesses. It also hosts live music and entertainment, making it a fun destination for the whole family.
Burnaby Youth Week is an annual celebration that highlights the diverse interests and achievements of young people in the city. The first week of May is dedicated to hosting several events exclusively for the youth community across various youth centers located in different communities. You can find the complete schedule of events here.
Event details: When: Monday, May 1 to Sunday, May 7 Where: Summit Youth Centre (200 Willingdon Ave.) / South Central Youth Centre (6749 Nelson Ave.) / Edmonds Youth Lounge (7433 Edmonds St.) / Creekside Youth Centre (2728 Beaverbrook Cres.)
Forage: A pop-up tasting event Forage: A pop-up tasting event is an exciting opportunity to learn about the local food industry in a fun way. The event, which is part of the Burnaby Festival of Learning, will take place on May 5 at YVR Prep. Participants will learn about the people who grow and produce the local products they buy and gain a new understanding of the connection between food production and the local aspect behind it. Currently, the opportunity to attend Forage – A Pop-up Tasting Event at YVR Prep is by invitation only. If you receive an invitation, follow the instructions to register. General admission for remaining spaces will open up once all reservations have been accounted for.
Summer Season at Burnaby Village Museum The Burnaby Village Museum opens for its summer season on May 6. Visitors can take a ride on the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel and visit vintage exhibits. The museum will be open every Tuesday to Sunday until September 4. Admission is free, and a carousel ride costs $2.65.
Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby A new exhibit at the Burnaby Village Museum titled Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby will open on May 6. The exhibit explores the diverse experiences of the city’s South Asian communities. The Burnaby Festival of Learning will also be hosting a free community rangoli installation to celebrate the opening of the exhibit.
Flies Don’t Lie -The Buzz of Forensic Science On May 6, the Burnaby Festival of Learning will host a workshop on the study of insects and how it contributes to crime scene investigations. The workshop will take place from noon to 5 pm at the Burnaby North Neighbourhood House. The event is free, and registration is required. Please register one per family.
Walk with Your Doc Join Mayor Mike Hurley and a team of top Burnaby doctors for a community walk on May 6. The walk will take place at Confederation Park from 9:30 am to noon.
15-Minute Neighbourhoods: Co-Creating Connected Communities SFU’s Research and Action for Healthy Cities has been mapping out where 15-minute neighbourhoods are in the region and wants to know your thoughts on this planning idea in Burnaby. The event consists of a 60-minute workshop and a 30-minute walking and cycling tour. This event is part of the Burnaby Festival of Learning and will take place on May 6 at Tommy Douglas Library from 1 to 3 pm.
Jocelyn Gould Juno-award-winning jazz guitarist, Jocelyn Gould, will perform at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts on May 7. Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul, CEO of Benedetto Guitars.
Rhythmsis an informal and intimate sharing event where participants can explore different cultures through the language of music. The event features different instruments from different parts of the world and is part of the Burnaby Festival of Learning. It will take place on May 7 at Bonsor Recreation Centre.
Picture source: Burnaby Festival of Learning
The Burnaby Festival of Learning is an annual event that features a diverse range of workshops, presentations, and activities. From disability awareness to jazz jams, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival. Here’s a rundown of some of the exciting events that you can look forward to.
On Sunday, May 7th, join William G. Lindsay, a Cree-Stoney author and educator, for a presentation on the Indian Act, residential schools, and reconciliation. Lindsay will read from his award-winning book, Rez Dog Blues & The Haiku: A Savage Life in Bits and Pieces, and offer insight into the history and ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The following day, Monday, May 8th, the festival offers a Disability Awareness Workshop, presented by the BCIT Library. Participants will learn about different types of disabilities, the language of disability, and how to actively fight against ableism.
Also on May 8th, registered dietitian Renee Chan will lead a Grocery Tour at Crystal Mall. Participants will explore the diversity of Chinese produce and ingredients and learn about Chinese foods, traditions, and flavours.
In addition to these events, the festival offers a variety of activities on May 8th. You can join Mark Angelo, an internationally celebrated river conservationist, for a walking tour of Guichon Creek, where you’ll learn about the impacts of urbanization on the creek’s ecology. Alternatively, you can attend a workshop on climate solutions modelling, where you’ll explore how to cool the earth in an equitable way.
On Tuesday, May 9th, jazz lovers can enjoy a Jazz Jam at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Cory Weeds and his quartet will be jamming out, and if you’re a jazz musician or singer, you can join in too.
For those who love flowers, Burnaby Blooms is back and expanded to a multi-day event this year. Festivities will take place at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Deer Lake Park on May 13th and 14th, followed by a micro-event at Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area on May 27th.
Also on May 13th, head to Metropolis at Metrotown for a Mothers’ Day Pink Disco Party. This event will feature a build-your-own-mimosa bar, complimentary custom bouquets by The Heart Company, and strawberry- and raspberry-infused tea lattes by Lions Bay Coffee Company.
Finally, on May 13th, the Stoney Creek Environment Committee is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Great Salmon Send-Off. Community members will have the opportunity to release live coho salmon smolts into Stoney Creek, and there will be live entertainment and local exhibitors.
In conclusion, Burnaby, BC, is a vibrant city that offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year. May 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting month with a range of cultural, sporting, and community events. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, support local businesses, or enjoy live music, there’s something for everyone in Burnaby.
To read more local news and updates please check our BLOG PAGE
Tags: Events Burnaby, real estate Vancouver, Vancouver real estate, Burnaby realestate, home sales, Vancouver homes sale, house prices, housing prices, house buying, real estate Vancouver market, Burnaby market, real estate agent Vancouver, Burnaby realtor, Geoff Jarman, Geoff Jarman top Burnaby realtor
