The existing Lions Gate / Marine Drive interchange is a single use facility which is not only now inadequate for its vehicular purpose, but which, although consuming large amounts of land in a strategic location, serves no urban use, nor offers any amenity to the population. It is a vehicle-dominated wasteland and a formidable pedestrian barrier.

Marine Circus is a mixed-use development built over and around a new interchange both linking Marine Drive to Vancouver, via the New Lions Gate, and providing local access to Capilano Quay, the North Viaduct Development, and, of course, the Marine Circus development itself.

Apart from its vehicular functions, the Marine Circus serves as the northern gateway to the New Lions Gate project, providing seamless pedestrian access across Marine Drive and linking the new project to the existing (albeit sparse) developments in the area. With a menu of facilities including high-density ground-oriented housing, apartment and office development, retail facilities, civic services and amenities, and a swift transit link to Vancouver, the Marine Circus serves as strong anchor for the New Lions Gate, complements the existing Park Royal town centre, makes good use of a site with favourable transportation and environmental characteristics, and does this with relatively little impact on land not already required for vehicular purposes.

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