Last week, the City of New Westiminster unveiled plans for a major, four-tower residential development called Plaza 88.
In addition to this new construction, the city also said that it hopes to connect the Columbia Street downtown to the waterfront via a pedestrian esplanade, and build a waterfront park as well. These plans are subject to funding, however.
At the heart of Plaza 88 is a 37 storey (340 foot) tower, which will be the tallest building in the GVRD, outside of downtown Vancouver. Two more towers will be constructed over the next few years, with plans for a fourth to be built over the longer term.
The entire project is expected to create more than 600 new residential units, with the goal of bringing new life to downtown New Westminster in general, and to the crime-ridden area around the New Westminster Skytrain station in particular. Construction is set to begin this fall, according to the Vancouver Sun, with occupancy scheduled for 2007.
Once the former capitol of the Colony of British Columbia, New Westminster is today one of the GVRD's eight Regional Town Centres. The development is an example of the GVRD's Livable Region Strategic Plan, in which high density residential and commercial development is encouraged in key centres throughout the region.
The New West News Leader has further coverage in its July 21st edition, while a link to the Vancouver Sun article is below.
