Mayor Sam Sullivan and Councillor Elizabeth Ball today confirmed their support for the next phase of redevelopment of Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The $26 million investment was recommended in a report to City Council and accepted unanimously.
“Making Vancouver a premiere destination for arts and culture is one of the five goals we have established for our government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “The investment we have approved today will help us achieve that goal and ensure the Queen Elizabeth Theatre remains as a critical part of our cultural infrastructure for generations to come.”
Below: Queen Elizabeth Theatre before and after renovation
To ensure performing arts companies can continue their seasons, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (QET) redevelopment has been scheduled during “dark periods” in the theatre from the start of May to November each year concluding in 2009 . Today’s staff report recommended City Council approve up to $26 million to complete phase two of the QET Audience Chamber – subject to certain terms and conditions.
“Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in the revitalization of this important theatre,” said Councillor Ball. “I want to thank city staff, Mayor Sullivan, my Council colleagues and all of the community leaders that have supported these redevelopment plans. We look forward to charting even more progress in the year ahead.”
The first phase of the project (the Vancouver Playhouse/QET Acoustic Separation) was completed last year. Phase one of the Audience Chamber work is currently under construction. Phase two is scheduled for construction during the summers of 2008 and 2009. It will include balcony, side box, seating reconfiguration, lobby renovations and other facility improvements.
