Concept illustration of the plaza at 800 Robson

800 Robson Plaza and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square

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The plazas surrounding the Vancouver Art Gallery have long been a space for people to socialize, and a place for civic and creative expression.

North of the Vancouver Art Gallery, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) re-opened in June 2017 after renovations.

South of the gallery, the 800-block of Robson Street is being transformed into a permanent public plaza. A design for the plaza was created based on public and stakeholder feedback. Construction on the plaza will begin in September 2019 and is expected to last until spring 2021.

Temporary residential school memorial at Robson Square

A memorial was installed after the confirmation of the remains of 215 children who were students of the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

What's happening?

800 Robson Plaza upgrades now complete

In March 2021, the section of Robson St that sits between the art gallery and the Law Courts reopened as a permanent, public plaza.

Upgrades

  • An open space for year-round public events with moveable seating and tables, new benches, and permanent seating
  • A level, continuous surface that connects to šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (located on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery)
  • Improvements at the intersection of Hornby and Robson streets for people walking, rolling, and biking: 
    • An "all walk" pedestrian signal
    • New safety features and enhancements for the bike lane
  • Improved power connections for performers and speakers, and improved lighting for events
  • A public art piece called the "Weekend Chime," by artist Brady Cranfield

We will continue to collaborate with key area stakeholders including the Province, Downtown Vancouver BIA, the Vancouver Art Gallery, UBC, and other key partners on program development as health restrictions lift allowing larger groups to gather outside in public spaces.

Slideshow of the final design of the plaza

The design is based on feedback we heard from residents, visitors, plaza users, and businesses through consultation.

800 Robson plaza design concept and illustration

By City of Vancouver

 

  • Aerial view of 800 Robson Plaza and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square

    By City of Vancouver

  • Emerging design concept

    By City of Vancouver

    The final design reflects the design concept and feedback we heard from residents, businesses, visitors, plaza users, and businesses through consultation.

  • Summer 2017 interim plaza design

    By City of Vancouver

    An interim painted asphalt infill was installed to create a level plaza surface ahead of the construction of the permanent plaza.

  • Birds eye final design

    By City of Vancouver

    View of the new 800 Robson Plaza

  • Plaza design

    By City of Vancouver

    Artist rendering of plaza design, looking west from 800 Robson, mid-block.

  • Design features

    By City of Vancouver

    Step seating feature across from the art gallery steps, provides space to sit, eat, and enjoy events.

Timeline 

Our progress since 2012.

Project summary

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Contact our project team

robsonplaza@vancouver.ca