3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
I am pleased to announce the sale of St. James Community Square on behalf of the United Church. Below is an excerpt from the City’s press release on February 12, 2016.
The City of Vancouver has finalized the purchase of St. James Community Square to ensure community ownership of the facility and its continuation as a cultural community asset and thriving space for all ages.
In September 2015, Council approved the acquisition of 3214 W. 10th Ave from the Trinity United Church at a cost of $6.8M through the Property Endowment Fund. The deal closed yesterday. The City is also ensuring that this venue is available for ongoing community use by negotiating a lease/operating agreement with the St. James Community Square Society to maintain the existing and future uses of the building.
“This is great news that the well-used and much loved St. James Square will continue to operate as a community hub providing vital space to local non-profit and community organizations for meetings, performances, cultural and special events,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Although many major cities face similar challenges with high land prices and lack of available spaces, Council has identified the need for the City to be proactive in preserving Vancouver’s arts and culture spaces and resources for community benefit.”
“The Board and the users of St. James are over the moon with happiness and gratitude that our beloved Square has been preserved for the community,” said Mel Lehan, St. James Community Square, Board Co-Chair. “Now the residents of our neighbourhood and of all Vancouver can continue to enjoy this wonderful community space for cultural, social, recreational, and educational activities into the future.”