Rising high in Western Canada's oldest city promises to be an iconic new multi-use civic building that will become the crowning jewel of downtown New Westminster. The Anvil Centre, and nine-storey office tower project, is currently under construction at the corner of 8th and Columbia, right across the street from New Westminster Skytrain Station.
"It's an ambitious project made possible through a Development Assistance Funding Agreement between the Province of British Columbia, BC Lottery Corporation, Gateway Casinos and the city," says Blair Fryer, Communications and Economic Development Manager for the City of New Westminster.
At the gateway to the downtown, Anvil Centre will feature a 350-seat theatre, conference and meeting facilities, art gallery and studios, museums, multi-purpose rooms, as well as a tourist information centre. The facility will also house the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the city's archives, as well as retail space on the main level.
"It will be a new venue regionally for mid-size conferences as well a great new amenity for residents and visitors alike in the the downtown ," adds Fryer.
Inspired by the anvil's unique place in the history of the city, the Anvil Centre name is a symbol of craftsmanship and strength. As well, the moniker stands as a tribute to New Westminster's proud, deep roots as one of the province's original industrial centres.
Meanwhile, the new 139,000 square foot LEED Gold certified office tower is also part of the vision to revitalize the city and really bring to focus the downtown.
"Both Anvil Centre and the office tower will enhance and contribute to the local economy and economic development," says Fryer, adding the facility is conveniently located directly across the street form the SkyTrain station. "The new office tower is projected to bring up to 500 new jobs and spin-off employment benefits into the downtown. "
Mayor Wayne Wright is a huge proponent of the project.
"The Anvil Centre and office tower project is a critical component of revitalization efforts that are showing real results in the downtown area," says Wright. "It's a great project that will reap dividends for our community for years to come."
Mayor Wright adds: "Projects like Anvil Centre, the award-winning Westminster Pier Park, new artificial turf field at Queen's Park and Queensborough Community Centre expansion provide recreation opportunities for our residents and contribute to making New Westminster a great city to live, work and play."
With its confident, bold and stunning architecture, Anvil Centre will stand as a proud icon of New Westminster's future and its rich and colourful past.
It is slated to open in spring 2014. For more information, visit www.anvilcentre.ca.
