Work has begun to transform a drab corner of Ladner Village into a welcoming new plaza with a restored historic building.
Council last month approved a development permit to allow the partial demolition and renovation of the existing commercial building at the intersection of Elliot Street, Arthur Drive and Ladner Trunk Road. The commercial site at 5097 47A Avenue will see the single-storey addition demolished and retention and renovation of an older two-storey portion of the commercial structure.
Built in 1907, the Stokes and Cull building served as a butcher shop both under the original owners and then various owners until the early 1970s.
Council also agreed the city should enter into a statutory right of way agreement with the owner, the Lowe family, to allow the development of a plaza over a portion of the property where the addition is being removed.
City staff already prepared a concept plan for the new public plaza that includes two oversized, boldly coloured planters to act as a visual anchor to welcome people into the village.
One of the planters would be higher than the other and ringed with wooden seating, while the lower planter's edge would provide additional seating.
The planters might also be illuminated in the evening.
“The Lowes' family commitment to the revitalization of the historic Stokes and Cullis building adds to Delta's Foundation for the Future. The introduction of a public plaza at this prominent location will welcome visitors and locals alike to this special village shopping experience, supporting the Community Economic Sustainability pillar. A vibrant plaza at this corner not only welcomes people to the community, it provides for a social and recreation gathering space supporting the Recreation and Community pillar,” a civic report notes.
The report also notes that the publicly accessible plaza is estimated to cost Delta approximately $200,000.
