Well the renovations are almost complete and I must say I find it underwhelming. Sure the glass domes are nice, but once complete the landscaping and the fact that the outdoor rink is below street level, thus continuing the disconnect with pedestrians. This raises the question, where in Vancouver will we get that great public space. The convention centre on the Thurlow side has potential, however, being adjacent to millionaire Coal Harbour residents I don’t see that happening. The VAG is the defacto site, however it is too small a space.
Wherever the site may be in the future it needs to be central, near offices, retail and somewhere around Granville and Robson. I say we demolish that ugly Sears building and build the huge public space there. However, we all know that isn’t going to happen.
Maybe the giant clam shell idea wasn’t so bad after all.
photo courtesy of Office Dweller
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