Thousands of people headed downtown Sunday to get a good look at the city’s new $40-million civic centre.
The City of New Westminster held the official grand opening of Anvil Centre on Sept. 14, an event that featured entertainment and tours. It’s estimated that nearly 7,000 people toured the centre during the grand-opening celebration.
“I’d like to thank the many visitors who attended and helped make the Anvil Centre opening event one to remember,” Mayor Wayne Wright said in a press release. “I’d also like to acknowledge the remarkable support that this project has had throughout our community and to all those involved for seeing it through to completion. As I said to everyone on Sunday, enjoy Anvil Centre – it belongs to you!”
After three years of construction, community members finally got a chance to step inside the building at 777 Columbia St. and view architectural features such as the “grand staircase” made of Carrara marble and a limestone-covered “canyon wall” that stretches from the lobby to the fourth level.
At the grand opening, many people lined up to take guided tours of the building or view spaces such as the New Westminster Museum and Archives and new media gallery. The opening gave the public a chance to see the type of events, programs and performances Anvil Centre will be hosting in the future.
“It truly was overwhelming to see the activity and excitement buzzing through Anvil Centre,” said Lisa Spitale, the city’s chief administrative officer. “The success of the day was the result of tireless efforts by city staff, volunteers and performers. I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the opening a day to remember and especially the community for coming out to celebrate.”
Anvil Centre is also home to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, a Tourism New Westminster kiosk, a state-of-the-art theatre, a conference centre and a number of cultural spaces where a variety of programs will be offered.
According to the City of New Westminster, Metro Vancouver’s newest conference facility has been receiving bookings since the spring and the many community programs being administered by the city’s parks, culture and recreation department are filling up.
In a nod to the building’s name, the Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery fired a three-anvil salute as part of the opening celebration. The anvil salute took place next to River Market.
