New redevelopments aim to revitalize downtown Port Coquitlam

Oct 25 2019, 8:32 pm

The mixed-use redevelopment of a large site, entailing a ground-level parking lot and a vacant property destroyed by fire, in Port Coquitlam’s designated downtown is expected to be a catalyst for the revitalization of the area.

A development application was recently submitted by Quarry Rock Developments to turn the site at 2241-2251 McAllister Avenue into a five-storey building, with ground-level retail and restaurant space that activates the street front.

A portion of this commercial space will be transferred to the municipal government for community uses.

Up to 65 condominiums are proposed for the upper levels of the building.

2241-2251 McAllister Avenue Port Coquitlam

Site of 2241-2251 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam. (Google Maps)

2241-2251 McAllister Avenue Port Coquitlam

Artistic rendering of 2241-2251 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam. (Quarry Rock Developments)

There will also be a plaza on the western perimeter of the site, and a future extension of Donald Pathway through the downtown area from Wilson Avenue to Elgin Avenue.

These components align with the city’s official community plan, setting in motion a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly commercial and residential zone that retains the downtown’s charm and heritage aesthetic.

For Port Coquitlam, this is a significant building development for the city.

The city adopted an area plan in October 2018 that envisions the redevelopment of select under-utilized properties with a mix of retail, restaurants, services, and housing, as well as public-realm improvements. A number of the properties in the downtown area are owned by the city.

“We’ve already started to build the energy of our downtown with the development of our new Community Centre but it has the potential to be an even more welcoming and lively destination for people to live, work, get together and have fun,” said Port Coquitlam mayor Brad West in a statement.

“McAllister Avenue is in the heart of our downtown and the perfect place to kick off the revitalization. We expect this to be a catalyst for more to come and give a whole new life to downtown Port Coquitlam.”

To achieve the project, the developer has signed an agreement with the municipal government to purchase the parking lot at fair market value. The developer already owns the former commercial site, previously occupied by businesses such as Martha’s Bakery.

City staff will be exploring alternative options for replacing the 45 parking spaces in the downtown area.

Downtown Port Coquitlam

Downtown Port Coquitlam Action Plan, 2017. (City of Port Coquitlam)

Downtown Port Coquitlam

Downtown Port Coquitlam Action Plan, 2017. (City of Port Coquitlam)

Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

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