An innovative mixed-use project reclaims 14.9 acres of former industrial land and redevelops it as a global showcase for sustainable community development.

Dockside Green, the largest development in Victoria’s history, involves the reclamation and redevelopment of 15 acres of formerly industrial waterfront property. The project includes commercial, residential, live/work, work/live, and light-industrial uses. With a LEED Platinum rating targeted for each building on site, the project will be a global showcase for large-scale integrated sustainable development. Our team immediately recognized the unique opportunity this project represented, working with all stakeholder groups to create an exciting new community. Our team’s vision was a Dockside neighbourhood that creates economic opportunities while promoting environmental responsibility and healthy, vigorous and dynamic urban living.

Our plan for the area emphasizes the creation of jobs, economic opportunity and physical structures that support a healthy and vibrant environment, new urbanism development principles, high quality public open space, innovative design, and other key amenities that will enhance the livability of the development. Our synergistic approach integrates and intertwines economic, environmental and social objectives, creating opportunities for each use to take advantage of the others.

The site is oriented around a greenway running parallel to the coast, with a village plaza providing a focal point at the western edge of the development. Mixed-use residential towers to the west will reach up to 10 storeys, while the majority of development will be between three and seven storeys tall. Waste resulting from one use will provide the nutrients for other uses. Holistic, closed loop thinking and design will improve and compound the economic, environmental and livability benefits and attributes of all uses by all occupants in the new community.

Our team consisted of leaders in sustainability in the respective disciplines of architecture, engineering, ecology, and storm water and sustainable management, among others. Our holistic approach to the planning and design included client and stakeholder groups, the City of Victoria and the development and financial interests involved intimately as members of the team throughout the process. The result is a plan for a visionary community that could not have occurred without the integrated efforts of all team members.