"...the lacking social vibrancy was tangible, becoming the guiding motive to transform the derelict lane into one teeming with public life. "

  • WithDMD & Associates, Binnie & Associates, Equilibrium Consulting
  • Client City of Langley
  • Complete2013
  • Award2015 National CSLA Award of Excellence
  • Award2017 International 'Making Cities Livable' Merit Award

McBurney Lane
Langley BC

An older street in the heart of historic Langley was fading from neglect. The finishes were worn out, the trees were struggling, and the paving showed its age. Despite its rundown condition, local shops still spilled out into the lane, events were still hosted, and it remained an important pathway to the new Douglas Park amphitheatre and cenotaph. But the lacking social vibrancy was tangible, becoming the guiding motive to transform the derelict lane into one teeming with public life.

 

Inclusive public engagement heard many voices, producing many exciting concepts. Through collaboration and listening, a hybrid solution of both pedestrian-only and slow-moving vehicle access would allow the vibrant vision to come alive. With the elimination of 26 parking stalls, a pedestrian-first community hub was created. Social connectivity was given a space to flourish through flexible placemaking for lingering and socializing, a sturdy area for retailers to set up market tables, and a considered platform for the hosting of live music, car shows and other events requiring special programming.

The new car-free area includes a series of arching benches, stairs and planted masses that frame new social spaces in the middle of the lane, and integrates permeable surfaces, drought tolerant planting and rainwater infiltration as part of the City’s sustainability agenda. The use of heavy-duty Hemlock timber – inspired by old wood-paved sidewalks – reflects the abundant use of wood in Langley’s rich railway past. The wood forms a raised deck in the centre of the lane and includes a lawn area, and a linear water table and plaza at the north end of the site.

 

McBurney Lane is now a well-defined corridor between the historic downtown Fraser Highway and the newer Douglas Park. With attentiveness to the edges and thorough consideration of the user, the lane has transformed into a limber community space, accommodating a balanced variety of programming and everyday use.