Uptown Property Group (UPG) selected to collaborate on new Multi-Use Civic Facility in Downtown New Westminster

New Westminster, BC - New Westminster City Council has selected the Uptown Property Group (UPG) to work with the City on the Multi Use Civic Facility (MUCF) project. Funded out of gaming revenue, known as DAC (Development Assistance Compensation) funding, the $35 million project will be constructed on Columbia Street in the City’s historic downtown, between 8th and Begbie Streets.

Following an Expression of Interest process with the development industry, UPG’s proposal was selected based on its proposed contributions to several of the City’s priorities in the Downtown including construction of a 100,000 sq ft Class A office tower over the City’s 80,000 to 85,000 square foot MUCF, funding for approximately 180 underground parking spaces, as well as other efficiencies.

Provincial DAC requirements dictate that the funding is to be used for economic development initiatives and the City has developed an overall program for the MUCF in consultations with community groups. The new facility will house a conference/convention centre and banquet facility, a state-of-the-art 350 seat non-proscenium (flexible) theatre, art studios, art gallery, a new home for the New Westminster Museum and Archives including the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and multi-purpose community spaces.

“This is a very exciting initiative for our city,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Gaming funds have enabled us to construct needed amenities which will enhance New Westminster’s tourism potential and Council was impressed with UPG’s proposal. UPG is well-known in New Westminster and has a good reputation as office landlords in the Uptown.”

The City and UPG have assembled a team of professionals for the joint project. The City’s architects, HCMA, are in the process of designing the City’s space and, moving forward, City staff will be hosting community open houses, meeting with stakeholder groups and seeking advice from city committees regarding refinements to the design and programmatic layout of the MUCF.

“By creating an opportunity for the construction of new Class A office space in the Downtown, we are able to achieve our Downtown Community Plan priorities as well as those in New Westminster’s Livable City Strategy while satisfying a key City Council principle of DAC funding which is to encourage the leveraging of private sector investment,” said Lisa Spitale, Director of Development Services.

Demolition of the existing buildings at the MUCF construction site will take place in February 2011. As outlined in the DAC funding agreement, the City’s MUCF is to be completed by December 2013.

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Contact:
Blair Fryer
Communications Manager
604-527-4688 or