Designer of New York's renowned High Line park to shape new False Creek green space

The firm behind one of the most unique green spaces in Manhattan has been selected to reshape acres of the northeast False Creek waterfront, once the Georgia viaducts are removed.

James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) is the landscape architectural firm that turned 23 blocks of disused New York elevated section or railroad track into a public park that twists its way between the towers of that city's West Side.

JCFO was chosen by the park board to help shape all of the approximately 21 acres of greenspace set to be included in the northeast False Creek redevelopment.

"This will add vital green spaces and gathering places to the emerging neighbourhoods of northeast False Creek," said Park Board Chair SarahKirby-Yungin a statement.

"This project is a legacy to the people of Vancouver for generations to come."

The firm's primary responsibilitywill be anew park in the area labeled on the map beneathas CreeksidePark extension.

"Our design will weave layers of history, community and ecology into a rich fabric that will be unique to northeast False Creek," saidJCFOfounder James Corner in a statement.

But according to park board director ofplanning and research Dave Hutch,JCFO will have to weavethose 21 acres of green space in with several new towersthat will be part of the greater redevelopment of northeast False Creek.

Complex negotiations ahead

Before shovels break ground, complex negotiations over the exact makeup and zoningof thatspace need to be resolved.

At the table are stakeholders like the province, the park board, the city, and ConcordPacific, whichowns a portion of the land.

They're collaborating on a revisionof the existing development plan, which was agreed upon in the early90s and did not anticipate the removal of the Georgia viaducts.

Depending on the length and result of those negotiations, and on concerns like soil remediation and the dismantling of the Georgia Viaducts, Hutch says the park could be completed anywhere between2018 and2024.