Today marks the launch of a five-year strategy to create a network of awesome alleys in Vancouver's downtown core. Building on the success of the More Awesome Now Laneway Activations, the transformation strategy stands to make downtown Vancouver even more awesome.
A collaboration between hcma and business improvement association Downtown Van, "Vancouver's Awesome Alleys" is a five-year strategy to reclaim more laneways as public space and create a vibrant network of alleys in downtown Vancouver. The vision is to transform these neglected corners of our urban grid into interconnected places of wonder and play, bringing more people to the downtown core and creating an iconic new attraction for Vancouver.
Through the original transformations of Alley Oop and Ackery's Alley in 2016 and 2018, together we witnessed what's possible for Vancouver's laneways. Capitalizing on this momentum, Downtown Van commissioned hcma to develop an action-oriented strategy that will help spark future laneway transformations over the next five years. The initiative expands on Downtown Van's foundational research and previous alley activations, revitalized in the context of post-pandemic recovery and Downtown Van's new five-year Strategic Plan.
"We are excited to launch the new Vancouver's Awesome Alleys Strategy alongside hcma. We saw great success with our previous collaborations like Alley Oop and Ackery's Alley, and we believe this new five-year plan will further enhance our urban landscape, creating vibrant spaces that connect our community."
- Jane Talbot, President and CEO, Downtown Van
Downtown Van has already transformed three alleys to date, including Alley Oop, or as locals call it, “Pink Alley.” This alley has been so successful that it has made international headlines, drawing tourists, K-Pop Stars, and film crews to the area. It will serve as a model for future transformations.
Vancouver's laneways make up 30% of public space in the downtown core. Transforming them into places for people could dramatically change the landscape of our urban realm. Over the next five years, Downtown Van and hcma plan to implement 2-3 new transformations, aiming to consistently activate every Awesome Alley with public and private events.
"Transforming laneways into unexpected public spaces brings vibrancy to our downtown core. Melbourne, Tokyo, and other cities around the world have made this leap, and we're thrilled to be working with Downtown Van to transform and activate our own network of alleys with a distinctive Vancouver twist."
- Kim Winston, Director, Community Projects, hcma
The strategy focuses on laneways along Granville Street and Hornby Street in order to enhance key pedestrian corridors between established public realms: from the waterfront, seawall, and cruise ship terminal in the North to Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery in the South. By creating new Awesome Alleys in close proximity to the existing Alley Oop, Downtown Van aims to establish a compelling network of alleys that is a destination for both residents and visitors, offering additional incentives to visit the downtown core.
Downtown Van invites the public to get involved. Two interactive engagement events about the strategy will occur on Wednesday, July 24th from 4-6 PM and Saturday, July 27th from 1-3 PM in the alley between Dunsmuir and Pender, off Granville.
For more information, download a copy of Vancouver’s Awesome Alleys: Five-Year Strategy.
