The City of Vancouver has announced plans to develop a new technology centre in collaboration with the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) and the Vancity Community Foundation. Called the Technology and Social Innovation Centre, the new development will be built at the sight of the former downtown eastside police station, located at 312/324 Main Street.

The development, which is aligned with Vancouver’s priorities including the City’s Digital Strategy, Greenest City Action Plan, DTES Local Area Plan, and the Economic Action Strategy, will offer business services, acceleration programming, financing and training for sectors such as technology start-ups, sustainability and clean-tech, social enterprise, and micro-enterprise.

“Vancouver’s first Technology and Social Innovation Centre is a unique and exciting partnership that will provide significant new support to foster innovation in our community and economy,” says Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The centre will further accelerate job growth and investment in Vancouver’s fast-growing social enterprise, technology, and start-up sectors, while providing important new resources, gathering space, and programming for the community.”

The Vancity Community Foundation will be the property manager for the new centre and will lease the second floor. Tenants for the ground floor, a community space, are currently being sought.