Development plans for the Lougheed Town Centre area have received major kudos from the Planning Institute of British Columbia.
The City of Burnaby and Shape Properties Corporation won gold in Excellence in Planning Practice (City in Urban Areas) for the Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Plan at this year’s institute awards. The plan took home top honours for Shape's cohesive partnership with the city, according to the institute’s awards committee.
“The Lougheed Town Centre Core Area Master Plan represents a unique collaboration between the landowner and the City of Burnaby,” said James Moore, awards committee chair in an email statement to the NOW. “The site is anchored by high quality public spaces and delivers impressive amenities that will have a positive impact on Burnaby for many years to come.”
Each award submission is evaluated based on the proposed plan’s innovation, transferability, contribution to the profession, public process, implementation, sustainability and overall presentation.
The Lougheed Town Centre development will transform the 72 acre area into seven distinct neighbourhood precincts – the site currently consists of four. The plan also hopes to transition the area into a more walking-friendly, transit-oriented community by connecting each neighbourhood with pedestrian roads. The mixed-use development includes construction of 30 high-rise towers over the next 30 years.
“The result of the plan is this complete community … Not very often is there an opportunity in an urban setting to create a complete community,” said Darren Kwiatkowski executive vice-president of design and development for Shape Properties.
The plan has garnered mixed reception from residents at past public hearings, but Kwiatkowski said the master plan’s award distinction will hopefully “add a layer of comfort.”
In the coming months, Shape Properties will be submitting a rezoning application to begin construction on the site’s first phase, which includes the construction of the area’s first four new residential buildings.
“We’re about a year away from the beginning of construction,” said Kwiatkowski.
