Steps forward for a possible new three-theatre complex
Expect announcements this spring on the feasibility of a major new performance complex downtown.
The Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society currently has the nationwide architectural firm Diamond Schmitt doing a feasibility study for a purpose-built three-theatre complex. The firm is analyzing usage of the civic theatres the city now has, with an expectation it will show the venues face demand beyond current capacity. It’s also studying the needs and interests of each of the three proposed venues: an 1,800-seat concert hall, an 800-seat recital hall, and an 1,800-seat opera-ballet hall, all with advanced acoustics. The spaces are meant to fill the gaps between large 2,800-seat venues like the Orpheum Theatre and Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the 670-seat Vancouver Playhouse.
“It’s very clear from their studies to date that Vancouver is underserved by performing-arts seats,” former BC Attorney General Suzanne Anton, chair of the VCHTS, told Stir at the end of 2024. “They are also completing the interviews that they have done with all the participating organizations.”
She reports those groups supporting the project now number 22—including Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, Ballet BC, DanceHouse, Vancouver Recital Society, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs, Early Music Vancouver, Chor Leoni, Vancouver Chopin Society, and Coastal Jazz and Blues Society.
The VCHTS is now meeting regularly and preparing to unveil the business case for the long-talked-about building in the spring. “They [Diamond Schmitt] are going to have recommendations ready, probably by March, as to what kinds of facilities are needed, and some possible locations,” Anton said. “And we will then post a report on our yet-to-be website at the end of April. After that we will then look to move to a second phase, where we will do more in terms of pinning down location and having some concept ideas of what new facilities might look like.”
Arts groups have talked about the need for new facilities to be added to civic theatres for decades in Vancouver. By spring, we should finally know if, where, and how that could happen.
“I do believe that, with this combined effort, this is a historic opportunity, and we intend to keep working forward so that we get solutions that we need in Vancouver,” Anton said.