Anvil Centre 10-year Review
Anvil Centre is almost 10 years old! As we approach this milestone for the City-owned cultural and conference facility we have a chance to reflect on what’s working well and whether any adjustments or new opportunities should be considered.
We want to hear about your experiences at Anvil Centre, and what ideas and suggestions you might have to:
· build on the existing programs and services,
· bring more people in, and
· deepen the community’s connection to the facility.
The City wants to make sure Anvil Centre is serving the downtown and broader New West community well, and we are open to ideas that will enhance what is currently offered in the facility. However, the City intends to continue current services, and major renovations to the building are not planned. We will work within the existing building configuration to respond to what we hear from the community about priorities for this public facility.
What is Anvil Centre?
Anvil Centre is a vibrant cultural venue and conference centre located in downtown New Westminster. This multi-use, City-owned facility is designed to accommodate a wide variety of events, conferences, community programs, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and cultural experiences. Anvil Centre is home to the New Media Gallery, New Westminster Museum and Archives, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Anvil Theatre, and more.
Construction of the Anvil Centre was funded through Provincial gaming revenue, and the funding agreement specified that the project must contribute to economic development and include convention/conference space.
Important Note: The Anvil Office Tower (main entrance on Eighth Street) is not operated by the City of New Westminster and is not part of this public engagement process. We are exclusively seeking community input about the four-storey Anvil Centre cultural and conference facility (main entrance on Columbia Street).
Phases
Implementation of Council recommendations
Council voted to approve the recommendations, and staff have already started to implement some of the items. Some recommendations will require funding, and City staff will include these costs in the upcoming annual City budget process