James Cowan Theatre Redevelopment
Parking impacts at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
Please give yourself extra time to arrive ahead of your program and consider using carpool, ride sharing or transit. Parking in our outdoor surface parking lot on Deer Lake Avenue will be limited so customers/patrons are encouraged to park in the Shadbolt's underground lot. View our parking map for additional parking locations.
About this project
The new Shadbolt main stage theatre and studios wing in the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts will continue to be Burnaby’s primary professional multi-use presentation space created to meet the needs of our evolving community. The contemporary multi-use space will feature a 364-seat theatre with flexible floor space and art studios supporting multimedia, traditional and contemporary theatre and arts performances, large events and celebrations, trade shows and conferences.
This 38,000 sq. ft. (3,500 sq. m) facility will replace the existing James Cowan Theatre (built in the 1940s and refurbished as a theatre in 1995). The footprint of the new design matches the existing theatre space and has been reconfigured to maximize space for arts and culture programming.
Features include:
- a main flat floor theatre hall with mezzanine
- retractable seating for 364 people
- professional stage, lighting and audio equipment
- backstage amenities including a greenroom and dressing rooms
- 3 classroom studios: visual arts, multi-use and theatre/literary arts
- reception/atrium hall
- gender neutral and universal washrooms
- box office and administrative office space
- Encores Café and bar
- production support spaces
- improved accessibility and entrance location
Outside, the landscaping design will be seamlessly integrated with the existing landscape, garden area and buildings.
Project updates
Following the evaluation of several project delivery models, the Progressive Design-Build model was adopted to enable the delivery of this Project in 2 phases. Phase 1 includes the preliminary and up to 60% of detailed design work. Phase 2 will complete the design work and move to the demolition of the existing building and construction of the new building.
The new facility is expected to open to the public in 2027.
What's happening now?
The spring dance recitals concluded on the James Cowan Theatre stage in early June. As we transition to the next phase, our contractor, Ledcor, will begin site preparations for demolition—the initial step in the construction process. Starting the week of June 24, they’ll bring trailers, offices and fencing to the site. Site demolition will begin in fall 2024, with construction of the new facility set to begin in winter 2024.
The main building will continue to operate beside the construction site during this time, with fine arts programs, performances in the Studio Theatre, bookings, meetings and special events in the facility and Deer Lake Park. We would appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.
Encores Cafe's last day of operation was Sunday, June 2, 2024. The Cafe will reopen in 2027 once the project is complete.
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Questions and answers
No, the Shadbolt Centre section of the facility built in the 1990s will remain open during construction.
The Encores Café and some fine arts programming will be impacted by the construction.
Encores Cafe's last day of operation was Sunday, June 2, 2024. The Cafe will reopen in 2027 once the project is complete. Customers and the public may be able to access some vending machines for food, coffee and beverages. Food service will still be available during special events and for meeting bookings. Nearby food options include City Hall Cafe and Bastion Café (at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre). Seating areas in the Shadbolt Centre lobby remain open.
Studios 105, 106 and 211 will be demolished and rebuilt in the new wing. Therefore, some fine arts programming may take place at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre, Burnaby Village Museum and other City sites in addition to the Shadbolt Centre.
We are committed to maintaining core operations as usual throughout the construction period. To find theatre performance information and fine arts programming information, please visit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts webpage.
Minimal impact on public parking is anticipated, however please allow extra time to find parking as parking spots will be limited or use carpool, ride sharing or transit. The underground parking will not be impacted but the surface lot will have some temporary impact to accommodate safe construction operations. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.