Summer public plaza now open at Bute and Robson

The City of Vancouver has opened a “trial plaza” at Bute and Robson streets, just in time for the summer sun. 

The plaza is a three-month pilot project and will remain open until October 16, 2017.

The city says it’s exploring the idea of a permanent plaza, and lessons learned during the trial will help inform future plans on the site.

“We have heard community interest in a new public space at this site and are working with local partners to launch the plaza at Bute and Robson as a three-month pilot,” said Margaret Wittgens, director of public space and street use.

“This plaza will build on the success of Jim Deva Plaza and is among a number of public space initiatives launching this summer.”

Plaza design features

• Fixed and moveable seating and tables
• Piano
• Planters
• Other elements to make the space comfortable and inviting

Intended use of plaza

It is intended as a place where people can:

• Sit and socialize
• Play
• Hold small events

Pop-up plaza at Bute & Robson well used yesterday over the lunch hour. Simple and effective. #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/k9LD3KXg3y

— David Bell (@UrbBlurb) July 6, 2017

Vancouver is stepping up its #tacticalurbanism game this summer. Check out the new pavement-to-plaza pilot @ Robson & Bute (via @pwkrueger). pic.twitter.com/SEEkwO2Ewo

— Chris Bruntlett (@modacitylife) July 1, 2017

“We are thrilled to see the launch of the Bute Robson plaza,” said Teri Smith, executive director of the Robson Street Business Improvement Association.

“Following the implementation of the West End Plan, the Robson Street BIA created a public realm vision for the area, including what a pedestrian plaza could look like. We are excited to see the ideations and sketches come to fruition, and we look forward to seeing people interact and gather in the space.”