City of New Westminster
2018
The removal of the Front Street Parkade and Front Street Mews project form important components of ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown New Westminster, one of B.C.’s oldest commercial districts.
A 2013 study indicated half of the 800 parking stalls in the 1950s era Front Street Parkade could be removed given reduced parking need in the area. Following extensive consultation with downtown business owners and key stakeholders involving the city’s Economic Development, Planning, Parks and Recreation and Engineering departments, half of the parkade was removed in 2015-2016. In its place, the Front Street Mews took shape - a narrow, complete street that exposed heritage commercial buildings to daylight and balances access functions of a lane with active business frontages, accessory uses, and space shared by cars, bicycles and pedestrians alike. The “Mews” is a safe, comfortable and vibrant place for everyone with increased foot traffic breathing new life into the economic vitality of the downtown.
Front Street Mews has transformed a dark, car-oriented, dilapidated street into a place for people with seating areas, lighting, trees, public art and local business parking. Today, Front Street is experiencing enhanced retail and social activity and has become a local hot spot for community festivals.
