The new Pacific Coach Lines (PCL) bus depot, to be located between Discovery and Pembroke Streets next to Sports Traders, was conceived with the intention of creating a “landmark facility to support the growth of Greater Victoria for years to come.” To be completed in the summer of 2008, the facility is intended to serve a dual purpose of not only replacing the current Douglas St. bus depot, but to act as a catalyst towards further development of the surrounding Rock Bay area.
Newer, safer facility
For years, the existing PCL depot has been plagued by lack of space and a limited turning radius. As well, the current depot’s dated, utilitarian architecture and neglected appearance contradicts sharply with neighbouring Victoria landmarks, such as the Fairmont Empress, the Royal BC Museum and the Provincial Legislature, all located only metres away. As a result of the property’s small space, buses must maneuver amid tight confines and some of Victoria’s highest pedestrian and vehicle traffic, posing a safety hazard to the city’s increasingly populated downtown core.
By contrast, the new depot will offer significant space for bus parking and maneuvering, and will easily facilitate in-and-out bus traffic with a unique ‘’drive-through’’ design.
What it means for Rock Bay
Rock Bay, an area considered by many city leaders as one of the ‘’last jewels’’ of Victoria, harbours untold potential for tourism and civic development. The relocation of the bus depot will act as the ideal first building block to these possibilities. Located only minutes away from the inner harbour, Rock Bay boasts excellent sea views, numerous heritage buildings and a close proximity to Chinatown. The area is already host to the Swans Suite Hotel, Capital Iron and the Canoe Club Marina and Brew Pub.
About 400,000+ tourists arrive into Victoria by bus every year, which will provide the often neglected Rock Bay area with a rapid and permanent increase in pedestrian traffic. The new depot has been designed as a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure encompassing a ‘’sense of place’’ where new visitors can begin their foray into the city.
Designed by Praxis Architects of Victoria, the new depot will be built with 91 below-ground parking spaces as well as significant retail space.
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