After sitting empty for more than a year, one of Vancouver’s iconic restaurant locations could be getting a new lease on life.
A plan is in the works to turn the former Fish House Restaurant in Stanley Park into the new flagship location for Stanley Park Brewing Company.
Located near the Beach Avenue entrance to the park, the 1920s building is surrounded by gardens and boasts a rich history.
Originally constructed to support local golfers and tennis players in the late 1920s, it was originally known as the Sports Pavilion. From 1949 to 1974, it was transformed into the Third Beach Tea Room and from 1974 to 1990, as the Beach House restaurant. From 1990 until its closing in fall 2015, the well-established restaurant location operated as the Fish House in Stanley Park.
Following the Fish House’s departure, the Vancouver Park Board looked at potential replacements for a “first class restaurant” in the “unique and high-profile location” but was unable to reach an agreement with one of the six interested parties that were short-listed. As a result, the building sat empty for a year.
Over the last several months, the Park Board has been in discussions with Stanley Park Brewing, which is owned by brewery giant Labatt, to return to its original home in Stanley Park. The original location of the micro-brewery was situated on the shores of Lost Lagoon in 1897.
The concept proposed by Stanley Park Brewing Co. would see the 1920s building renovated inside to include an onsite brewing facility; an education and tasting room; a renovated bar; and special event and dining areas.
The exterior look and design of the building, according to the proposal, will be “preserved while being refreshed” and provide some new services and amenities like improved accessibility, covered decks and a new bike service area.
The overall investment in the new location and concept is projected to be roughly $4.5 million. The Stanley Park Brewery is looking to enter an agreement with the parks board that would be an initial seven-year lease with options to renew for additional terms..
The Vancouver Park Board will be voting on the recommendation Monday evening.
PHOTO GALLERY: Concept drawings
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