Vancity Community Foundation has been overseeing the redevelopment of the former Vancouver police station on Main Street in the Downtown Eastside for the past several years with a vision is to create a dynamic, accessible and inclusive co-working space that will create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
After five years of planning and three years of construction, we marked the completion of the first phase of the project in early October. As the first members and organizations move into the space that vision is turning to reality.
Allison Felker, interim executive director of Vancity Community Foundation commented,“We are excited to complete phase one and to launch phase 2. There's so much positive energy in the building and I'm looking forward to the inclusive, creative community that's already there -continuing to grow.”
Organizations including Hub Cycling, The Binners’ Project, and Brave Coop are now using the 60,000 square feet of space accessible to members. There is still some work to do as part of Phase 2 before the building is officially open in 2019. Once completed, it will be among the largest coworking facilities in Canada.
At a news conference at 312 Main on October 5, 2017, we announced the project is also being supported by all three levels of government, with City of Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson and provincial ministers Hon. Melanie Mark and Hon. Lisa Beare speaking to reporters and touring the facility.
For more information about 312 Main, have a look at the website.