Concord Pacific has unveiled plans for a new neighbourhood of 1,300 condominiums in eight buildings by the northern end of Cambie Bridge near BC Place.

Part of the downtown’s new sports and entertainment district, the neighbourhood is being called False Creek Central.

The area includes a new $535-million casino, hotel and entertainment complex being built next to BC Place by Paragon Gaming Corp. Last week, Paragon announced it has revamped its proposal for the project, which included no plans to expand gambling. Paragon proposed to relocate Edgewater Casino at its existing size.

The development proposal is significant both in size — as one of the largest in the city’s history — and in meaning, according to architect and planner Michael Geller.

Ledingham McAllister is proposing a 52-storey residential tower at Gilmore Ave. and Halifax St., next to their existing project “Aviara” which is now close to half sold and is currently under construction. The proposal will head to Burnaby City Council next week and if approved, will reach first reading and public hearing in October.

“Aviara II” will include 595 residential units located in a 52-storey tower at the corner of Halifax and Gilmore, with two 4-6 storey buildings located along the Gilmore and Douglas Road frontages. The 2.9 acre site is large enough to accomodate three 25-storey towers, but Ledingham was encouraged to pursue a higher tower to preserve views for developments to the South.The proposal includes 715 parking spaces.

The development is being built at an overall density of 5.0 FAR, after a density bonus of 1.6 FAR under the City of Burnaby’s Brentwood Town Centre “s” designation. The bonus density is being valued at $73 per SF, or $13,265,779.

Polygon Homes, who successfully bid for a full city block on West Esplanade from the City of Vancouver last year, is looking for an OCP amendment to allow a highrise. Two development options presented to council for the 2.24 acre property  at 255 W. 1st Street include a mix of residential and commercial uses to a density of 2.6 FAR.

Option 1 includes a Concept a 5-storey built form with commercial uses accessible from W. Esplanade and residential uses above. Development is divided into two buildings. The larger building is “U” shaped with the opening facing south to maximize on harbour/city views as well as light exposure. The second building runs parallel to Mahon Avenue.

Option 2 proposes a 7 storey building on the western edge of the site running parallel to Mahon Avenue, terracing gradually down to a 4 storey street wall against W. Esplanade. A separate 16 storey tower is proposed in the southeast corner of the site containing the rest of the residential density. Because the existing OCP only allows 6-storeys, this option would require an OCP amendment;  however, it is supported by the City.

Morguard has applied to the City of Vancouver to amend the existing CD-1 for their property 601 West Hastings Street (also referred to as 333 Seymour Street) to retain the existing office tower, and build a 25-storey office building with:

• A total floor area of 227,700 SF
• 3,627 sq. ft. of ground level retail space
• a public plaza
• a density of 24.34 FSR
• a proposed height of 357 ft
• 102 parking spaces and 78 bicycle parking spaces in 5 levels of underground parking