The Vancouver Park Board has approved the concept plan for a new nine-acre public park, which will be the first of its kind in Vancouver, located partially on the roof-top of the redeveloped Oakridge mall and partially at ground level.

The new park will offer a unique experience for residents and will be a destination park for the rest of the city. It will feature six distinct park areas with a rich Pacific Northwest landscape and a balance of active and tranquil spaces. The new park will redefine what is possible for a landscape on top of a building. It will feature areas for contemplation, socializing and large gatherings and will have an 800 metre jogging and walking track.

“This new park will be a tremendous addition to our network of outstanding public parks with access for all. There will be something for everyone, from public spaces and a water park, to a woodland and a meadow,” said Park Board chair Stuart Mackinnon.

In the redevelopment plan by QuadReal Property Group and Westbank Corporation, the existing Oakridge mall area will be transformed to include a mix of modern condo towers, townhomes, community facilities and green space. Henriquez Partners Architects is the design lead.

The Park Board community centre in the new civic facility will be provided by the developer at no cost to the city. The community centre will be co-located with a library and daycare, and will include a fitness centre, seniors centre with kitchen, youth centre and spaces for arts and culture.

In addition to the park, the redevelopment plan by QuadReal and Westbank will transform Oakridge Centre through the addition of 10 towers and three mid-rise buildings with commercial, office, and residential uses, including market and social housing. The plan calls for more than 2,600 residential units. Of those, 290 will be market rental and another 290 will be social housing.