New $535 million BC Place Casino proposal promises urban resort
Paragon Development Ltd. has revealed a new proposal for a $535-million redevelopment on the western end of BC Place Stadium. The new BC Place Casino proposal is being touted as an urban resort instead of a gambling destination.
Unlike the last proposal that was rejected by the City of Vancouver in 2011 and met with significant neighbourhood opposition, this proposal will not expand the gaming facilities found in downtown Vancouver
It will be the new home of the existing Edgewater Casino, just a few hundred feet away from the proposed site, and will maintain the 600 slot machines and 75 gambling tables currently found at the Plaza of Nations building.
The new proposal is slated for a site owned by Pavco, the B.C. crown corporation that owns and operates BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre, and will still require final approval from the City of Vancouver.
Pavco will retain ownership of the land while Paragon will lease the land over a 70-year term. The development is a partnership between Paragon Development, 360 VOX Corporation and the Dundee Corporation.
“There has been a lot of interest in this urban resort project from renowned and experienced developers. We are thrilled to partner and proceed with Dundee and 360 VOX who bring not only investment, but also their international resort and hospitality experience to this unique and important project,” said Scott Menke, President of Paragon.
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The new design calls for two luxury hotels (JW Marriot Luxury Hotel and Autograph Hotel) with 550 guest rooms, a conference centre, restaurants and retail space that will be directly linked to BC Place Stadium’s west concourse. Both hotels will be managed by Marriott International.
The building complex features a sleek and seamless contemporary exterior design that promises to animate the streetscape. Exterior renderings show three towers connected by a podium covered by reflective grey glass while interior renderings also indicate grandiose finishings including a dramatic entrance lobby.
The development will have an overall size of 675,000 square feet, create 2,000 jobs within the complex and generate $180 million annually for the local economy. It will help create an urban entertainment centre for local residents and visitors, maximize event potential for BC Place Stadium, and will greatly increase the city’s hospitality, entertainment, tourism and conference opportunities. Developers are aiming for a late-2016 completion and opening.
“This vibrant new urban resort will create a new entertainment center for both Vancouver residents and tourists, by creating a resort centrepiece where people can see a game, concert or show; meet, work, or stay,” said Ned Goodman, President and CEO, Dundee Corporation. “As a Canadian company with strong ties here in B.C., we’re very pleased to be partnered with Paragon and 360 VOX in this exciting and dynamic project.”
“We believe that this unique project will provide a strategic advantage to the City of Vancouver in the global competition for international visitors. The combination of BC Place with this new urban resort will offer both visitors and Vancouverites an exceptional new entertainment venue.” said Robin Conners, President & CEO 360 VOX Corporation.
What do you think of the new proposal and its architectural design? Let us know by voting and commenting below.
New 2013 proposal
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Axed 2011 proposal
Images: Paragon Development
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