More than four years since moving out, organizers hope the Maritime Museum of BC will move back into its long-time abode at 28 Bastion Square.
For more than 50 years the Maritime Museum occupied the space, but in 2014 was told by the province, which owns the building, that it was no longer safe and that the museum needed to move out. ItB次元官网网址檚 been located at 634 Humboldt St. since then.
Now the province is reviewing Requests For Interest (RFI) which were submitted by Nov. 15. The province is looking for businesses to move into the 30,000 sq. ft. space, and take on the role of further remediating the 130-year-old building, including extensive seismic upgrades which would cost more than $20 million.
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B次元官网网址淥ver the subsequent five years, RPD [the Real Property Division] undertook work to remediate water infiltration, mould, asbestos, failed plaster, and original wood frame windows. However, the space remains unsuitable for occupancy in its present state,B次元官网网址� the province wrote in its RFI request description.
B次元官网网址淩PDB次元官网网址檚 ultimate goal is the optimum utilization of the property. Ideal usage will strike a balance between social, environmental and heritage considerations; provide social, cultural, and economic benefit; and demonstrate value-for-money while minimizing financial risk and preserving the aesthetic and heritage features of this historic building.B次元官网网址�
David Leverton, executive director of the Maritime Museum, believes they would be a promising contender.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of historical significanceB次元官网网址� In the 1800s shipping was the main way to transport things,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e have the worldB次元官网网址檚 longest coastline and border three oceans.B次元官网网址�
Leverton added that in 1980 the building received national status as the oldest building in BC, and that ideally the Maritime Museum could be moved back in by 2021 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of BC entering the confederation.
This would pair well, he said, with the MuseumB次元官网网址檚 ongoing efforts to attain national status and and become the furthest national museum west of Winnipeg.
For the past four years the Maritime Museum has been looking for the perfect site to accommodate a national collection, but after going through nine possibilities decided moving back to Bastion Square might be the solutionB次元官网网址� albeit with some significant renovations.
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B次元官网网址淭he only way we could have a really meaningful look at going back to Bastion Square is by adding on an annex, an addition to Boomerang Court which would ad an additional 12,000 sq. ft., B次元官网网址� Leverton said.
Leverton and his team have also been in communication with local arts and culture groups to find out ways they could share the space to make it as accessible as possible. This includes the use of a shared lecture theatre, and and open, multi-purpose space on the first floor.
B次元官网网址淚t wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be meeting all of our needs, but we also recognize the importance of collaboration,B次元官网网址� Leverton said . B次元官网网址淔rom our standpoint we thought we could find a meaningful way to move forward.B次元官网网址�
Leverton believes if the Maritime Museum could get national status, more funding would be available to help with costs. In total, he believes that remediation and opening as a national site would cost $45 million.
Several other RFIB次元官网网址檚 were also expressed, including an arts hub, a community centre and a private development.
The Downtown Victoria Business Association and the The City of Victoria have both backed the need for a creative arts hub through a third party.
Provincial decisions are set to be announced in the near future.
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