Pedestrians walking through the Downtown Vancouver core will need to take note of a street closure at a major thoroughfare.

Construction begins today (September 16) to turn the 800 Robson Street block into a permanent public plaza and will continue until completion in spring 2020.

During construction, access to the plaza will be closed and pedestrians will be directed to a detour to West Georgia Street on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The completed plaza will feature improved lighting and power connections, and a space for year-round events with moveable seating and tables, as well as additional benches and lighting.

The intersection at Hornby and Robson streets will be improved for pedestrians with enhanced separation between cyclists and vehicles.

A continuous level surface will be created to be consistent with šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza), which was renovated and reopened in June 2017.   

Prior to the construction, an interim ashphalt infill was installed in August 2017 to create a level plaza surface.

Vancouver city council voted in April 2016 to close the Robson Street from Hornby Street to Howe Street to vehicle traffic, and the plaza design concept was revealed in December 2016.