Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Kitchener is looking for input on its proposed vision for the downtown Bramm Yards. Feedback will be used to develop a master plan for the transformation of these lands into a future urban business park.
The Bramm Yards is currently a parking lot in downtown Kitchener. At eight acres, it is the largest parcel of land owned by the city and could accommodate a higher density of uses than a traditional business park. It could also be used for mixed uses, including new housing, restaurants, shops and services, and community amenities and public spaces.
“With its size and location in the heart of Kitchener’s innovation district, the Bramm Yards present a unique opportunity for our community to lead a transformative development,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “We want residents and businesses to help us shape a bold and innovative future for these lands.”
A draft vision statement and a set of development principles which would guide future development are available for viewing and comments can be made through an online survey and an upcoming open house.
For more information click this link. The survey closes on Tuesday, Oct. 31 and an open house will be held Oct. 11 at the Victoria Park Pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m.
A master plan for the Bramm Yards, and the City of Kitchener will then be created. This development approach could include roles for the city, joint-partnerships or selling the land to a private developer. It is anticipated that the development of the Bramm Yards could take many years.
“We only get to redevelop lands once,” says Cory Bluhm, executive director of economic development. “It’s critical that we understand our community’s ambition to ensure we maximize the opportunity.”
A proposed focus for the Bramm Yards is to support the predicted growth of employment and business focused on health innovation businesses, given its proximity to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, the future University of Waterloo Health Innovation Arena, the University of Waterloo Velocity Incubator, the McMaster University DeGroote School of Medicine, Communitech, and Google.