CPR Steamship Terminal Secures Tenant
Jun 26, 2012
(News Release) VICTORIA — One of Canada’s most prolific and celebrated painters will be showcased at the CPR Steamship Terminal following a deal signed between Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and the Bateman Foundation. Under the terms of the agreement, which is subject to final lease negotiations, the Robert Bateman Centre (Centre) will make its home in the historic CPR Steamship Terminal with gallery, educational and office space on the third and fourth floors, and a retail store on the Belleville street level. The Centre’s renovation period will start on August 1, 2012 and they are targeting to complete and open the gallery in the spring of 2013.
The two organizations signed an Offer to Lease on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 following the recent execution of a long‐term head lease between the Provincial Capital Commission and GVHA. Under the signed offer with GVHA, the Centre will have exclusive use of:
- Level 3: Gallery space for exhibit and sale of Robert Bateman original works and reproductions (approximately 5,040 ft2)
- Level 4: Offices and meeting room space for educational programs (approximately 2,400 ft2)
- Level 2: Retail store and ticket sales (approximately 580 ft2)
“Needless to say this is a dream come true, but it is far beyond any wildest dreams I could imagine,” said Robert Bateman. The location and the building are beautiful but it is the opportunity to share a lifetime of joy in nature that is the real value. Birgit [Bateman’s wife] and I are leaving our visual legacy to this place. But perhaps more important will be the ideas and thoughts created here about humanity’s connection to nature. This connection is more important now than it ever has been.”
“Signing the Robert Bateman Centre is a significant milestone for the CPR Terminal revitalization initiative,” said Curtis Grad, GVHA President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are honoured to have such a renowned artist showcased in this iconic heritage building. The gallery will welcome local residents and visitors alike, breathing fresh new energy and vitality into the Belleville Street precinct.”
The Bateman Foundation will use the power of Robert Bateman’s art to inspire individuals, and particularly urban youth, to become personal change agents in how we treat our planet. Through this new Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria and its online version: www.batemancentre.org, The Bateman Foundation will have a strong base from which to grow its programs nationally and internationally. “We will continue our very active collaboration with Royal Roads University in environment and sustainability education and research,” said Executive Director, Paul Gilbert, “this new location helps us add other strategic partners to the team including the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Learning Institute." The Centre’s sustainability goals fit well with GVHA’s ambitions for the CPR Terminal to function as a sustainable and publicly accessible celebration of Victoria’s marine past and vibrant future.
GVHA continues to negotiate with other prospective tenants for the remaining space on Levels 1 & 2.
Click to see Douglas magazine's feature on the plans for the CPR Steamship Terminal, and our profile on President & CEO Curtis Grad.
About the CPR Steamship Terminal
The CPR Steamship Terminal building is a historic Victoria landmark on the Inner Harbour. The neoclassical structure was designed by Francis Rattenbury, architect of the nearby Legislature Building and the Empress Hotel, and P. Leonard James. The CPR terminal was constructed in 1924.
In 2009, the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC), with contributions from the Provincial and Federal governments, invested ~$5 million in seismic and building system upgrades. In late 2011, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority was selected by the PCC, through a competitive process, to revitalize this iconic harbour‐front building, recruit a dynamic mix of sub‐tenants and restore the facility to its former grandeur. In addition to attracting local residents, GVHA aims to leverage and optimize traffic flows generated from nearby ferry and cruise ship operations to ensure long‐term commercial viability and sustainability achieved through a careful balancing of commercial and civic/public uses.
About Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not‐for‐profit corporation governed by a local Board of Directors. It owns and operates deep water, marina and upland holdings throughout Victoria’s harbour including the large vessel Ogden Point port facility, Victoria’s renowned Fisherman’s Wharf, and the inner harbour’s luxury yacht and marine tourism facility at Ship Point. GVHA’s vision is a harbour where people live, learn, work and play; a spectacular gateway into Victoria’s past and into its future, monumental in look and feel, linking communities and all people together.
About the Bateman Foundation & Robert Bateman Centre
The Bateman Foundation is a national, not‐for‐profit charity dedicated to education and public service based on the philosophies and legacy of Robert Bateman. The Foundation’s purpose is to support educational programs delivered by others to promote lifelong engagement with nature. Special emphasis is placed on programs for leaders and policy‐makers, youth, families and First Nations. Robert Bateman’s perspective envisions new social values based on nature, art culture and well‐being. The Foundation maintains the Bateman archives including a substantial collection of original art and all of Bateman’s preliminary works, writings and other material.
BatemanCentre.org is a virtual resource and public archive for the works of Robert Bateman and other artists inspired by nature. Additionally, it is a source for networking about in‐nature education initiatives.