Vancouver city staff are recommending to council the creation of a new square downtown.

The plaza envisioned in the 800 block of Robson Street will be a traffic-free pedestrian space.

In a report included in the agenda of council on April 20, staff also suggested the closure of the block to vehicular traffic before consulting the public on the design of the plaza.

The 800 block of Robson Street between Hornby and Howe streets, and the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery comprise what is called Block 51.

Staff reported that there is a strong public desire to see Block 51 established as a central gathering space.

During the 2010 winter games, the site became a focal point for public assemblies.

“Central squares are very common in cities around the world, like London’s Trafalgar Square, Toronto’s Dundas Square, and Portland’s Pioneer Square,” staff stated in the report. “These central gathering spaces are widely recognized landmarks and places for public gathering and civic expression.”

The creation of the plaza will also fulfill the dream of architect Arthur Erickson.

“The at-grade pedestrian-oriented, public space on 800 Robson Street, as envisioned and designed by Arthur Erickson and his team, was never realized because two lanes of vehicle traffic were incorporated into the block in the early 1980’s,” according to staff.

Since 2011, the 800 block of Robson Street has been serving as a seasonal plaza from June to September.

In November last year, the city released plans to redesign the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Work is set to begin.