Uptown Plaza and Sixth Street Public Realm Improvements
Project Update, 2025:
Construction of the permanent plaza and streetscape is now underway. Check the Projects on the Go page on the City's main website for construction information.
Project Overview
Changes are coming on Sixth Street and in Belmont Plaza in Uptown! This project will reimagine Sixth Street between Sixth Avenue and Belmont Street, and Belmont Plaza, to orient this area more clearly towards the public realm and walking, with more flexible uses and improved accessibility.
Proposed features include an expanded, permanent Belmont Plaza, widened sidewalks, improved lighting, more seating, temporary road closures for special events, and prioritization for pedestrians at the intersection of Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue.
While this project previously focused on this block of Sixth Street, based on feedback from the community we have now combined the project to include both public realm improvements on Sixth Street and an expanded Belmont Plaza. We want to be sure these public spaces work well together.
We’re taking feedback from earlier (2021) engagement on Sixth Street and more recent (summer 2022) engagement on Belmont Plaza to develop two concepts for the plaza space and refine the designs for Sixth Street. The options and designs will be presented to the public for feedback later in 2023.
This project takes direction from the vision set in the City of New Westminster’s Council-approved Uptown Streetscape Vision to create “a vibrant commercial district with a distinct identity, accessible and sustainable transportation, as well as inviting and engaging public spaces that are welcoming to all people." While initial plans for in-person consultation on the Uptown Streetscape Vision were postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, engagement with key stakeholders took place in June 2020. Click here to read the Uptown Streetscape Vision Key Stakeholder Engagement Summary Report.
This project aligns with the City’s Master Transportation Plan goals and Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action - specifically, Car-light Community, Quality People-Centred Public Realm, and Robust Urban Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Phases
Phase 3 engagement: permanent Uptown Plaza design and Sixth Street public realm improvements
Project Update, September 18, 2023:
The project team has developed designs for the public realm improvements on Sixth Street and the permanent Uptown Plaza.
We need your feedback to help the project team finalize the designs!
A graphic showing the proposed future of Sixth Street in Uptown New West, with various features such as wider sidewalks, seating areas, trees, lighting and more.
A graphic showing the proposed design for the permanent Uptown Plaza on Belmont Street.
Click here to view the designs in more detail
Since 2021, community engagement has been an important part of the project to ensure that design elements reflect the community’s needs and priorities so that Sixth Street and the Uptown Plaza are welcoming to all.
Key themes from previous community engagement have been incorporated into:
- the proposed Sixth Street public realm improvements design, including new and expanded sidewalks, new lighting, improved crosswalks, more street trees and greenery, accessible parking spaces, and more
- the proposed permanent Uptown Plaza design, including seating options, new lighting, open programmable spaces, street trees, and more.
Share your feedback on the designs!
⭕Take our online survey, open now until October 9, 2023
⭕Stop by our pop-up events:
- Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Uptown Plaza (located on Belmont Street) Note: due to wind, this pop-up was relocated to inside Westminster Centre. We are sorry if we missed you.
- Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm outside of Westminster Centre, 555 Sixth Street
⭕Join a workshop:
- In-person: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 5:30-7:00 pm at New Westminster Public Library (716 Sixth Avenue)
- Virtual: Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 6:00-7:30 pm
We look forward to hearing from you.