Arbutus Walk
Location
Arbutus St. between 11th and 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC
Canada
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Certifications & Awards
Project Team
- Partner: City of Vancouver
- Developer: Concert Properties Ltd.
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Summary
Key Sustainability Features
• Redevelopment of brownfield site
• Redirection of population growth from suburban to urban areas
• Reduced dependency on the automobile
• Street calming to increase walkability
• Increased urban open space
• Mixed-use, mixed-income neighbourhood
• Market and non-market (social and seniors) housing
In 1989, the City of Vancouver introduced a policy that allows the rezoning of marginal industrial land for residential use. The new policy opened up the former brewery site on the Arbutus Lands for development. The adoption of the Arbutus Neighbourhood Policy Plan came after an extensive public planning process and was an important first step in the implementation of the city’s policy.
The Arbutus Neighbourhood Policy Plan reflects many of the key principles from Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy. By identifying this marginal industrial land and allowing for its redevelopment by Concert Properties Ltd. into a liveable, high-density residential neighbourhood, the City directed growth into urban neighbourhoods that might otherwise have occurred
as suburban sprawl.
Arbutus Walk also implements Regional Growth Strategy principles by reducing dependence on the automobile. Arbutus Walk is a centrally-located development that is accessible to major shopping and public transit centres, as well as the city’s cycle and greenway network. Approximately 40% of Arbutus Walk residents commute to work, and 80% of residents shop using alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and transit. Much of this reduction in vehicle use is a result of the decision to design Arbutus Walk as a liveable, walkable neighbourhood. For example, by providing 1000 square metres of commercial space along Arbutus Street, the development increased the retail options for the surrounding neighbourhood. The greenway built along 11th Avenue, the centre of the site, and the introduction of traffic-calming techniques along busy Arbutus Street, have ensured a more pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood. The greenway has increased the neighborhood’s permeable open space by 30% and provides access to Connaught Park.
Additional statistics of interest:
- Density: 2.2 FSR or 271 u.p.h
- 654 residential units
- 994 m2 retail space
- 1000 m2 commercial space
Tours: Open to the public.
This post was imported from the 'Greater Vancouver Green Guide', it's part of the 'Green Guide Portal' to the Green Building Brain
