Emily Carr University Proposes Major Arts Hub on Granville Island

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) is making a significant move to return to Granville Island, nearly a decade after relocating its campus. The university has submitted a proposal to repurpose the historic building at 1399 Johnston St. into a vibrant arts and innovation hub. This proposal has been shortlisted in the bidding process led by CMHC Granville Island, the organization responsible for managing the site.

The plan, developed in collaboration with The Narrow Group, a Vancouver-based company specializing in artist spaces and community engagement, aims to transform the 125,000 square foot building. Until 2017, this building served as the north campus of ECUAD, before the institution moved to a modern facility at Great Northern Way in the False Creek Flats. Following ECUAD’s departure, Arts Umbrella took over the south building, ensuring the area’s legacy of arts education continued.

Revitalizing a Cultural Landmark

The vision for the new creative hub includes a variety of initiatives to foster community engagement and artistic innovation. ECUAD and The Narrow Group propose renovating the building to support expanded university operations, offering new arts programs and workshops. Additionally, the plan will create affordable studio spaces for both emerging and established artists, alongside retail and business opportunities such as galleries, a café, a restaurant, and an arts supplies store.

The proposed hub will also include event spaces for performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings, along with dedicated areas for Indigenous cultural programming and workshops. A new theatre venue is planned, emphasizing the goal of making the building a lively destination that invites public interaction, contrasting with its previous use as a private educational facility.

The proponents envision a building that is “vibrant from morning to night,” with activities throughout the day and community events in the evenings. The proposal includes hundreds of open studios, allowing visitors to engage with artists and purchase original works. The exterior walls will feature ever-changing murals, further enhancing the artistic atmosphere.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

“This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to celebrate Emily Carr University’s past, present and future,” said Trish Kelly, president of ECUAD. She emphasized the importance of expanding accessible arts education and fostering new partnerships within the community. David Duprey, CEO of The Narrow Group, highlighted their goal of honoring Granville Island’s history while infusing it with new energy, creating an interactive experience filled with art, music, and culture.

If selected, this project will mark The Narrow Group’s largest initiative to date. Currently, the company operates over 170,000 square feet of artist space across Vancouver, making it one of the largest providers of artist workspaces in British Columbia.

ECUAD’s previous campus on Granville Island housed around 4,000 students, many of whom contributed to local businesses and arts organizations. Since the university’s departure, CMHC Granville Island has sought to fill the void left behind, aiming to restore the youthful energy that ECUAD brought to the island.

The procurement process for repurposing the building, launched in 2024, initially received seven expressions of interest, which were narrowed down to two proposals. CMHC Granville Island aims to finalize a lease by early 2026, paving the way for tenant-led upgrades to the aging facility.

This proposal aligns closely with the Granville Island 2040 master plan, which envisions converting ECUAD’s former north building into an “Arts and Innovation Hub.” The plan includes spaces for artists and public amenities, such as an auditorium, gallery, café, and restaurant facilities.

As CMHC Granville Island progresses with its development plans, the collaboration between ECUAD and The Narrow Group represents a promising step toward revitalizing the arts community and ensuring that Granville Island remains a vibrant cultural destination.