Former Edgewater Casino space to be converted into a convention centre

Interior of Enterprise Hall at the Plaza of Nations with the Edgewater Casino furnishings removed. (Kenneth Chan / Daily Hive)

The Enterprise Hall building, the former home of Edgewater Casino at the Plaza of Nations, will revert to its previous usage prior to its casino conversion in the mid-2000s.

Later this week, Vancouver City Council is expected to grant the temporary usage of the indoor space as a convention and events space known as the Harbour Convention Centre.

The space spans two levels and has a total floor area of close to 40,000 sq. ft. With its event-driven Liquor Primary license, the indoor space can hold up to 2,434 people and the outdoor patio space can accommodate 75 people.

The exterior of Enterprise Hall at the Plaza of Nations, the former home of Edgewater Casino. (midnightglory / Flickr)

It will hold both public and private events, including trade shows, technology expos, gaming conventions, e-game tournaments, large scale special events, community and cultural gatherings, live performances, live music shows, weddings, receptions, and product launches.

“The operation of the Harbour Convention Centre is intended to be similar to that of the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, or Molson Canada Hockey House during the 2010 Winter Olympics, providing an alternative medium to large capacity rental space in the downtown area,” reads a City staff report.

“The applicant is a known good operator who has successfully produced events in the city. They are currently operating with recurring Special Event Permits at the subject site and are proposing an event driven venue, and not to operate as a nightclub.”

It is expected the Harbour Convention Centre could remain open for up to a few years, until construction of the multi-phased Plaza of Nations redevelopment requires the demolition of what remains of the venue, which was the BC Pavilion during the Expo ’86 World’s Fair.

Canadian Metropolitan Properties’ rezoning application for the redevelopment was approved by City Council earlier this month. The project, designed by local architect James Cheng, envisions an entertainment district with 350,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and open plaza space, plus thousands of new homes, a new practice arena for the Vancouver Canucks, and a community centre.

Edgewater Casino closed in September and relocated to the neighbouring Parq Vancouver casino resort complex.

Artistic rendering of the proposed Plaza of Nations redevelopment. (James Cheng Architects / Canadian Metropolitan Properties)

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