Construction on Lululemon鈥檚 new 13-storey global headquarters on Foley Street at Great Northern Way could start as early as September after city council approved a rezoning text amendment allowing an increase in building height, as well as retail and restaurant uses at street level.
The vote was unanimous.
Council鈥檚 decision came at the conclusion of a two-day public hearing, which started Jan. 23 and wrapped up Jan. 30, dealing with Lululemon鈥檚 site at 1980 Foley St.
While the Foley Street property was rezoned in 1999, Lululemon requested a text amendment for additional height from 120 feet to 215 feet so it could achieve the allowable density. It also wanted permission for additional uses so the building could include retail space and a cafe.
On the first day of the hearing, much of the discussion centred on the fact the company, which is permitted by city policy.
Several speakers and many councillors raised concerns about the omission in light of the significant shortage of childcare spaces across the city.
Lululemon senior staff and city staff entered talks about the issue over the past week, which resulted in the company offering a $3.5 million cash contribution towards public childcare.
City staff said that amount should pay for 25 spaces. A portion of the development cost levy can also be used toward childcare.
The intention is for the city to use the $3.5 million to create childcare spaces in the general neighbourhood.
Lululemon says it needs to expand to achieve its growth plan. The company expects to increase office staff from its current level of about 2,000 employees to 4,000 over the next decade.
The new headquarters will replace its existing head office on Cornwall Street in Kitsilano, as well as three of its smaller satellite offices in Vancouver.
NPA Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung said she鈥檚 pleased concerns raised during the public hearing resulted in the cash contribution offer but she also noted the need to balance the city鈥檚 objective to create more childcare spaces with its economic goals.
Kirby-Yung highlighted the fact that the company plans to double its staff and said it鈥檚 important to keep home-grown companies in the city. That sentiment was echoed by several councillors, including NPA Coun. Lisa Dominato, who said, 鈥淔undamentally, we want to have a strong local economy鈥�.鈥�
Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr said the childcare funds were 鈥渨elcome鈥� and 鈥済enerous,鈥� while calling the new building鈥檚 design, 鈥渜uite stunning.鈥�
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be one of those landmark buildings where people stop and go, 鈥榃ow,鈥欌�� she said.
While COPE鈥檚 Jean Swanson voted in favour of the application, she argued new office developments should include a large enough childcare facility to accommodate their staff鈥檚 needs.
鈥淚 think we should ask for more childcare. I think Lululemon could afford it,鈥� she said, while adding, 鈥�$3.5 million is better than nothing.鈥�
The NPA鈥檚 Melissa De Genova the childcare contribution is important, but the project is also in line with city goals.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to send a message that there鈥檚 a way to pay and things will go forward,鈥� she said.
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