Richmond Oval Area Planning Open Houses Announced
26 September 2005
The City of Richmond will hold public open houses in early October to present information on an Integrated Planning Framework, which includes the Richmond Oval Site Master Plan and concepts for future development of the Oval Neighbourhood and surrounding City Centre areas, roughly from No. 2 Road to No. 3 Road and from Westminster Highway to the Middle Arm of the Fraser River. To download a 19 page PDF version of highlights for this event, please click on the following link:
Open Houses will be held at:
- Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road
Saturday, October 1, 2005, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Richmond Centre Mall, 6551 No. 3 Road, Main Galleria
Wednesday, October 5, 2005, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The City is currently building the Richmond Oval, which will be home of the speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and then become a multi-purpose centre of excellence for sports and wellness. The Oval is being built on 32 acres of land owned by the City along River Road. The Oval will occupy about one-third of the City property with the rest being developed and sold to create a new City Centre waterfront neighbourhood. This development is also expected to act as a catalyst for redevelopment of surrounding neighbourhoods and the Integrated Planning Framework is designed to provide a context for that process.
In February and April 2005, the City hosted Public Open Houses where it asked the community for feedback regarding a set of Planning Principles for the development of the “Oval Site” and a preliminary “Oval Site” Master Plan.
The results of this consultation set the direction for the Integrated Planning Framework, which envisions the development of a number of Village Centres to act as focal points within the greater City Centre. One of these new Centres would be a Gateway Village with two major sub-areas. The Gateway West area runs from No. 2 Road to Gilbert Road and from Westminster Highway to the Middle Arm and includes the Oval Neighbourhood. The Gateway East Area runs from Gilbert Road to No. 3 Road and from Westminster Highway to the Middle Arm.
The Integrated Planning Framework also includes a more detailed Richmond Oval Site Master Plan. Highlights of that plan, include:
Buildable Area
1.4 million-plus square feet of residential and commercial uses, in addition to the Richmond Oval.
As per Richmond’s aircraft noise sensitive development policy, no more than two-thirds of the “Oval Site’s” maximum buildable area shall be residential.Richmond Oval
A state-of-the-art facility offering a broad range of high-performance sport, community wellness, and spectator activities set against breathtaking views of the river and mountains.The “Stroll”
A unique, animated pedestrian walkway around the perimeter of the Richmond Oval and along the riverfront, lined with shops, restaurants, hotel uses, and recreational activities.“Town Square”
The key crossroads of the “Oval Neighbourhood” and the entrance to the Richmond Oval.
A place for community celebration, cultural events, and activities such as farmers markets and local festivals.“High Street”
A mixed-use area with shops and restaurants lining pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways linking the new road following the CP Rail corridor (e.g., south of the Richmond Oval) and Hollybridge Way with its terminus at the river.“Riverfront Plaza”
A large riverfront gathering space capable of accommodating up to 8,000 people for special events and river spectacles, complemented by special “fitness fun” features, public art, and activities geared to casual use by individuals and small groups.Dyke Trail
An enhanced dyke trail providing better access for everyone, including bikes and the mobility impaired, improved views to riverfront events and activities (e.g., Dragon Boat races), and an enhanced foreshore respecting the area’s ecology, heritage, and natural features.Hollybridge Canal
An enhanced waterway habitat, together with special features providing for interpretation of environmental and man-made systems, arts and culture, and water play.
An information display will also be available for viewing at Richmond City Hall from October 1 to 4, 2005. Information on the Site Master Plan and Integrated Planning Framework will also be available on the City’s website, at http://www.richmond.ca/discover/events/oval/oval.htm, beginning October 1, 2005.
