Great Northern Way Creative District
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The Great Northern Way Creative District is envisioned as a new model for creative employment and urban production in Vancouver—a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood where people can work, learn, and live. The master plan creates a place for creative industries, light industrial and flexible workspaces, education, housing, retail, and community amenities that support both jobs and daily life in an evolving part of the city.
The plan aligns with City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver goals, ensuring space for employment and industry while shaping a dense, transit-friendly urban district connected to surrounding neighbourhoods.
CIVITAS Studio led the master planning for this new Creative District in Vancouver, in collaboration with Larry Beasley Associates. The team worked closely with landowners, City staff, and economic and cultural specialists through a series of design workshops to shape a shared vision for the area.
Key elements of the vision include:
· Two walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods centred on future Broadway Subway stations.
· A hub for innovation and creative employment, with flexible production and light industrial space.
· Expanded learning facilities for Emily Carr University, Great Northern Way Trust institutions, and Vancouver Community College.
· Shops, services, and amenities clustered around transit stations.
· A connected pedestrian network linking to nearby neighbourhoods.
· New parks and open spaces forgathering, recreation, and everyday use.
· Public art, lighting, and cultural features that give the district a distinct creative identity.
