The long-awaited first phase of Surrey’s LRT is a go-ahead, following today’s announcement of an agreement between the provincial government and the Mayor’s Council to fund the project. Billed as the largest transit and transportation investment in the history of the Metro Vancouver region, the plan will see:

• Construction of the Surrey Guildford-Newton Light Rail (LRT)
• Construction of Millennium Line Broadway Extension
• Significant upgrade of existing Expo-Millennium Lines to expand capacity to meet and improve the customer experience
• An 8% increase in bus service to address overcrowding, reduce wait times and bring bus services to communities with limited service
• Improvements to sidewalks, bikeways, multi-use pathways and roadways

According to the media release, delivery of these projects will be funded by:

• $1.6 billion in fare revenues expected from higher ridership resulting from service expansion in Phase Two, TransLink resources and efficiencies.
• A 2% increase to all transit fares over two years beginning in 2020.
• Parking lot sales tax increase of 15 cents per hour for an average $5 per hour parking.
• $5.50 increase in property taxes per average household each year or about 46 cents a month, beginning in 2019.
• About $300 to $600/unit increase to the Development Cost Charge on new residential developments depending on type of dwelling.
• Revenue from a variety of transit-related commercial opportunities.

Construction by 2019 – Phase 1 Completion by 2024

While federal matching of the provincial funding still needs to be finalized, it is expected that the first phase of the Surrey LRT line between Guildford – City Centre – Newton will likely be under construction by late 2019, with completion by 2024. Not only will the project bring a new a rapid transit line to the South Fraser, it will also be a game-changer in how it will integrate with, and transform the neighbourhoods it passes through. In conjunction with the City Centre Plan and the Guildford-104 Avenue Plan, LRT corridors will be gradually transformed with 4-6-storey density along each route, with higher density mixed-use nodes at key intersections and throughout City Centre, Guildford Town Centre, and Newton Town Centre.

Planned route of Phase 1 & 2 of the Surrey LRT network Conceptual rendering of a revitalized Newton Town Centre with LRT integration Conceptual rendering of King George Blvd in Newton with LRT, bike-lanes, and 4-6-storey urban density Conceptual rendering of LRT plaza integration at Newton Town Centre Conceptual rendering of LRT integration along a repurposed 104 Avenue corridor LRT integration on a pedestrianized City Parkway at Central Ave in City Centre

A new tier of rapid transit for Metro Vancouver

LRT will introduce a new layer of rapid transit service to Metro Vancouver that is complimentary to SkyTrain. It will serve as a more localized, finer-grained service, compared to SkyTrain which can be seen as more of a regional commuter train service. Tiered transit systems are common around the world, with various forms of rail combining to form an intricate and dynamic transit network. A good example of this is Berlin, Germany where there are 4 tiers of rail within its robust transit network. These include:

• Regional Train (Comparable to WestCoast Express)
• S-Bahn (Suburban service)
• U-Bahn (Urban service – Comparable to SkyTrain)
• MetroTram LRT (Fine-grained urban service)

All of these lines converge at hub stations, with each tier serving a specific purpose.

Berlin rapid transit system featuring 4 tiers of rail – LRT lines shown in light grey

Example – Tiers of Rail Transit in Berlin

Regional Train (Comparable to West Coast Express) S-Bahn – Suburban service (No comparison in Metro Vancouver) U-Bahn – Urban service (Comparable to SkyTrain) MetroTram (LRT) – Fine-grained urban service

Surrey LRT will bring the first fine-grained rail service to Metro Vancouver – appropriate for routes that are more localized, and less regional – such as the Guildford-City Centre-Newton line – but connecting to SkyTrain for regional commuter travel at hub stations. It is likely that we could see LRT build elsewhere in the region following Surrey, given its cost-effectiveness and appropriate scale for many other parts of the region.

Over the past weekend a 2nd tower crane was added at the SFU Surrey expansion project, bringing the total number of cranes in the immediate vicinity to 5, and the total number in City Centre to 8. While the building under construction will only be 5 storeys in height, its large footprint and accelerated construction schedule are both likely reasonings for the addition of a 2nd crane. It is also worth noting that the building will be higher than a typical 5 storey building, with a planned height of 35m (115′) according to a Surrey Planning Report. For comparison, this is closer in height to a 9 or 10 storey condominium building.

This newest crane adds to the growing number of cranes in Surrey’s rapidly changing skyline. The number of cranes currently up is unprecedented in the city’s history, and a visible sign that development within City Centre is now accelerating. Given the large number of development applications already underway for future towers, the sight of cranes across Surrey’s skyline will likely only continue to grow in the coming years.

Further to the update earlier this month on the SFU expansion project, more site clearing has taken place adjacent to the project.

As of Oct 27th, trees on 3 lots to the west of the project were cleared, and the site is now being prepped for what appears to be a construction staging site for the SFU project. No development applications have been submitted on the lots, all that is known is that they are owned by the City of Surrey. When complete a new Urban Green Lane will run North-South between these recently cleared lots and the SFU project, as shown on the plan below.

With this added clearing of trees, the area west of University Drive known as West Village continues its transformation into Surrey’s first high-density urban neighbourhood.

After nearly 2 years of construction, the new West Village Park and District Energy Centre officially opened last week in the rapidly growing West Village neighbourhood of City Centre. Located at the corner of Central Avenue & 133 Street, the new 0.7 Acre park was designed by Vancouver’s Space2Place Landscape Architects in conjunction with a community consultation process, and is one of 10 new parks planned for City Centre. The park includes a plaza, stage, green space, play area, benches, picnic tables, and a distinctive hexagon pattern of concrete, cork, and landscape beds. In addition to the park, a new segment of Central Avenue was opened, with a new sidewalk and dedicated bike lane (now standard on all newly constructed Collector and Arterial Roads in Surrey).

The main feature of the park is the new West Village Energy Centre, designed by Vancouver’s Francl Architecture, and complete with an art installation titled ‘Blankets’ on the building’s stacks. Operated by Surrey City Energy, the centre is the first of  3 District Energy Centres planned for City Centre, with the remaining two to be located near King George Station and Gateway Station in the future. These District Energy centres are intended to provide reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable heat and hot water services to the City Centre’s growing high-density population. They work by distributing thermal energy, typically in the form of hot water through a network of closed-loop underground pipes to individual customer buildings. As new developments come on-line, they can connect to the District Energy System for their heating and hot water services.

Plaza looking west from 133 St Looking East towards West Village Park greenspace West Village Energy south facade featuring art installation ‘Blankets’ on building stacks Looking East on Central Avenue Looking East into interior of West Village Energy Centre Newly constructed Central Avenue half-road Looking west into interior of West Village Energy Centre West Village Energy Centre entrance Greenspace and picnic area Greenspace, plaza, and seating area Greenspace and seating area

Progress continues on the SFU Sustainable Energy & Environmental Engineering Building and Prime on the Plaza. As of July 5, work is progressing on the 17th floor of Prime on the Plaza and the 4th floor of SFU. Of notable interest is the large atrium taking shape within the new Bing Thom designed SFU building, which is already starting to have a dominating presence over University Dr. It is expected that both buildings will top out by the end of the year and be complete in 2018.

The proposed signage package for 3 Civic Plaza will appear before Council on Monday for approval. The current package is an update to a previous signage package put together back in 2014. The new package presents a more refined and unified look to the signage across the building, which will include signage for:

• Civic Hotel
• KPU
• Prado Cafe
• Dominion Bar & Kitchen
• Various Retail Units
• Various wayfinding signs around the perimeter of building

Already ahead of the Signage Development Permit approval, the main Civic Hotel logo appeared this week at the top of the 52-storey tower on the north side. A similar logo is also set to be installed on the tower’s south side.

Civic Hotel Logo installation underway on October 17 Civic Hotel Logo installation on top of the 52-Storey tower North side hotel logo fully installed on October 19

Proposed Signage Package

Rendering of Civic Hotel signage on podium Signage Package fronting Civic Plaza Signage Package on North and South sides of building Signage Package for retail frontage along City Parkway Civic Hotel signage fronting Plaza detail Civic Hotel signage on South side of podium detail KPU Signage detail on north side of podium facing Plaza Wayfinding signage detail Wayfinding signage detail Retail unit signage detail along City Parkway Retail unit ‘Arrival’ signage detail featuring signature guitar pic and diamond perforated pattern

For more details on the signage package:

https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7914-0112-00.pdf

Rize Alliance has begun pre-sales on the second phase of their 2-tower project at 133 St & 104 Ave in the growing West Village neighbourhood. The first phase of the project – the 28-storey ‘Wave’ condo tower – was completed back in 2014, with the second phase originally set to be called ‘Wynd’. Four years later, that name has now changed with the launch of a new marketing campaign and registration site set up for phase 2 under the name ‘Linea’.

With phase 2 of the project having already been approved as part of the original application for the site, Linea is likely to proceed with construction soon after sales. Despite the name change, the tower will retain its originally approved design – a twin of the Wave tower – featuring distinctive curved balconies and vibrant orange accents on the building’s exterior. Not only will Linea bring a twin tower to the development, but it will also complete the site which has been sitting vacant for years, bringing a new row of urban street-fronting townhouses along both 133 St and 104 Avenue, and a substantial outdoor amenity area / park. The website for the project www.liveatlinea.com is now open for registration offering 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos and townhouses.

The completed Wave tower – Phase 1 of project

Site Plan for Wave (Tower ‘A’) and Linea (Tower ‘B’)

Linea site within City Centre Plan

With sales now just around the corner, Linea will likely begin construction in 2019, making it the 5th residential tower expected to start next year in the red hot Surrey City Centre condo market, following 3 condo towers expected to start this year, and 2 office towers. It was noted in the Spring 2018 issue of West Coast Condo that benchmark prices for condos in Surrey City Centre led all of Metro Vancouver in growth over the past year – up 45.6% between December 2016 and December 2017. Despite the price growth, Surrey City Centre still remains one of the most affordable areas to buy a condo in Metro Vancouver, and the best place to invest in real estate in BC for future growth.

For more:
http://liveatlinea.com
https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7911-0075-00.pdf

The never-ending dig at Weststone Group’s Evolve Condominiums site continues on. Now 6 months in, having started in January, it looks as though there are at least a couple more months to go until the pit is finally cleared, and a crane can be installed likely by late summer / early fall.

When complete in 2018, Evolve will become the 2nd tower after Ultra in Weststone’s West Village neighbourhood. It will feature a 37 storey condo tower, with townhomes at its base, as well as a 3 storey office and commercial podium. The development will also open a new section of 103 Ave, and a new pathway, helping to improve road and pedestrian connectivity in the neighbourhood.

http://evolvecondos.com/

The December Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes an overview of 2021 stats in review, new to market projects, development applications, approvals, and construction activity during the past month. For a full list of all active projects – check out the Active Projects Page.

New Development Applications

As of December 2021, there are 32 major development applications proposed in Surrey City Centre, representing 34 high-rise and 17 low-rise buildings.

The past month saw 2 new development applications submitted:

21 – 0341 | 132 St & Ravine Rd

Proposal:	6-Storey Residential (77 Units)
Address:	10970-10986 Ravine Rd
Applicant:	Flat Architecture

A Rezoning, Subdivision, and Development Permit application has been submitted by Flat Architecture for a 6-Storey residential building at the corner of 132 St & Ravine Rd. The application is proposing to consolidate 2 existing single family lots into 1 new lot to allow for a small footprint building containing 77 units. The project will also dedicate a new laneway at the rear, connecting to a recently completed laneway to the south behind the 5-storey Camellia Residences building.

21 – 0343 | Emerald City

Proposal:	30-37-Storey Residential (995 Units) 2,282 SF Retail
Address:	10955 City Parkway
Applicant:	Allure Venutres

A Rezoning and Development Permit application has been submitted by Allure Ventures for a 3-tower project just north of Gateway Station at the terminus of City Parkway. Named Emerald City, the project is to include 955 units and 2,282 SF of retail within towers ranging between 30-37-storeys set above curved podiums following the bend of University Drive along the north edge of the site. The project will be Allure’s second in Surrey City Centre, following ‘The Grand’ which recently began construction nearby.

21 – 0347 | City Centre 4

Proposal:	23-Storey Office / Retail (355,155 SF)
Address:	9677 137A St
Applicant:	Lark Group

A Rezoning, Subdivision, OCP & City Centre Amendment, and Development Permit application has been submitted by Lark Group for a 23-Storey office tower with ground floor retail just to the north of Surrey Memorial Hospital in the Innovation Boulevard District. The tower will be their fourth and tallest to date in the district, following City Centre 1, 2, & 3 just to the adjacent south. The application is proposing to consolidate 6 existing single family lots into 1 new lot, and is to include approx. 355,155 SF of office and retail space.

Council Approvals

As of December 2021, there are 35 major development applications approved in Surrey City Centre, representing 37 high-rise and 31 low-rise buildings.

The past month saw one new project receive Conditional Approval:

20 – 0290 | 105 Ave & 132 St

Proposal:	6-Storey Residential x 2 (248 Units)
Address:	104A Ave & 138A St
Developer:	Adera
Architect:	RH Architects

Adera Development’s upcoming project in City Centre received 3rd Reading (Conditional Approval) by Surrey City Council on November 8. The project is to include two 6-storey market residential buildings containing 248 units, and will span an entire block between 132 St to 133 St along 105 Ave.

Designed by RH Architects, the 2 buildings will replace 6 existing single family homes, and be separated by a shared courtyard space. The project will also create a new urban green lane along the south (rear) and east edges of the site.

Construction

As of December 2021, there are 20 major projects under construction in Surrey City Centre, representing 18 high-rise and 8 low-rise buildings. The past month saw 2 new projects begin construction.

New Construction

Hendrix (6-Storey Residential) – Excavation now underway on 108 Ave Parks & Yards (38-Storey Residential, Office, Retail) – Site preparation and heritage building restoration now underway

Continued Construction

Century City Holland Park (19-Storey Rental, 11-Storey Office) – Crane now up for rental tower Parkway 1 (38-Storey Rental) – Marketing fencing now up and drilling underway along 104 Ave One Central (44-Storey Condo, Retail) – View of podium from lane with main tower continuing to rise Plaza One & Two @ King George Hub (41 + 44-Storey Residential, Office, Retail) – First crane now installed Q5 (6-Storey Residential) – Underground parking levels construction underway University District (28 +37-Storey Residential, Retail) – View looking south along University Dr from 105 Ave The Holland (25-Storey Residential) – Tower gaining height above townhouse podium The Grand (46-Storey Residential, Office, Retail) – Excavation progressing Rosewood (5-Storey Residential) – Exterior cladding taking shape Belvedere (27-Storey Residential, Retail) – Excavation progressing Parc Centrale (20-Storey Residential, Office) – Now topped out at 20-Storeys

The November Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of general updates, new development applications, and construction activity during the past month. For a full list of all active projects – check out the Active Projects Page.

New Development Applications

As of November 2021, there are 30 major development applications under initial review in Surrey City Centre, representing 30 high-rise and 17 low-rise buildings.

New development applications over the past month include:

21 – 0311 | Fraser Hwy & Whalley Blvd

A Rezoning, Subdivision, OCP / City Centre Plan Amendment, and Development Permit application has been submitted by KGS Holdings for a 38-storey residential tower just to the south of King George Hub at Fraser Hwy & Whalley Blvd. The application is proposing to consolidate 3 existing single family lots as well as dedicate new roadway for the eventual extension of Whalley Blvd south of Fraser Hwy.

21 – 0313 | 102 Ave & King George Blvd

A Rezoning, OCP / City Centre Plan Amendment, and Development Permit application has been submitted by Chris Dikeakos Architects for a 49-storey residential tower above an 8-storey office podium with ground floor retail at the north-west corner of 102 Ave & King George Blvd. The project would replace an existing 1-storey strip mall and surface parking lot with 739 residential units and 223,545 SF of office space. The project will also dedicate land along the north side of the site for a new portion of 102A Ave, as well as land along the west side of the site for a new urban green lane.

Council Approvals

As of November 2021, there are 36 major development applications approved in Surrey City Centre, representing 38 high-rise and 31 low-rise buildings. There was just 1 Surrey City Council meeting over the past month, with no new approvals.

Construction

As of November 2021, there are 18 major projects under construction in Surrey City Centre, representing 17 high-rise and 7 low-rise buildings. The past month saw 1 new project begin construction – the Grand – A 46-storey residential tower above a 5-storey office & retail podium on King George Blvd at 107 Ave.

New Construction

The Grand (46-Storey Residential, Office, Retail) – Excavation now underway

Continued Construction

Holland Parkside Phase 1 (11-Storey Office, 19-Storey Rental) – Excavation progressing Parc Centrale (20-Storey Residential, Office, Legion) – View looking south along City Parkway. One Central (44-Storey Condo, Retail) – View looking west from Central City Plaza One & Two @ King George Hub (41 + 44-Storey Residential, Office, Retail) – Excavation progressing Centra (23-Storey Residential) – Excavation continuing with parking levels construction underway. University District (28 +37-Storey Residential, Retail) – View from University Dr of tallest tower main entry and podium. The Holland (25-Storey Residential) – View looking north-west along Old Yale Rd. Park George (35 + 39-Storey Residential) – Excavation continues with foundational work underway Parker (4-Storey Residential) – View looking north-east from 139 St & 105 Blvd

The October Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of new Development Applications, Council Approvals, and Construction activity during the past month of September 2021. For a full list of all active projects – check out the Active Projects Page.

New Development Applications

The past month saw two new major development applications submitted. As of October 2021, there are 28 major development applications under initial review within City Centre, representing 28 high-rise and 17 low-rise buildings.

21 – 0270 | 102A Ave & 133A St

A Rezoning, Subdivision, City Centre Amendment, and Development Permit application has been submitted by IBI Group for a 42-Storey residential tower above ground-level retail at the corner of 133A St & 102A Ave just to the west of SFU. The application is proposing to consolidate 5 existing lots, currently occupied by a gravel parking lot, a vacant lot, and a four-plex to create 473 residential units above 3,762 SF of retail.

21 – 0285 | 104 Ave & 138A Ave

A Rezoning, Subdivision, OCP & City Centre Amendment, and Development Permit application has been submitted by Streetside Developments for a 32-Storey residential tower above a 6-storey podium with ground level retail on the south-east corner of 138A St & 104 Ave Ave. The building would replace an existing car wash on the site with 339 residential units and 11,043 SF of retail.

Council Approvals

The past month saw two additional projects receive 3rd Reading (Conditional Approval) from Surrey City Council. As of October 2021, there are 37 major projects approved within City Centre, representing 39 high-rise and 31 low-rise buildings.

19 – 0091 | 104A Ave & 138A St (Porte)

Porte’s next upcoming project in Surrey City Centre received 3rd Reading by Council on September 13. Occupying half a block between 138A St and 139 St north of 104A Ave, the 6-Storey project will include 299 units amongst 4 buildings to be constructed in phases. The project will replace 8 existing single family lots and close an existing lane, while opening a new green lane along the north edge of the site.

Designed by Studio One Architects, the buildings will create a more urban streetscape along 138A St & 139 St with 2-storey street-oriented townhomes integrated into the base of each building.

Location: 104A Ave & 138A St
Proposal: 6-Storey Condo (x4) (299 Units)
Developer: Porte Homes
Architect: Studio One
Expected Completion: 2024-2026

West facade of proposed development along 138A St View looking north-east from 104A Ave & 138A St

20 – 0233 | Centre Block (Phase 1 & 2)

Phase 1 & 2 of the much anticipated ‘Centre Block’ development received 3rd Reading from Council on September 13. Located on the former North Surrey Rec Centre site, the project is to consist of over 1 million square feet of office space between two towers (19 and 47-storeys) above a retail and institutional base. The taller tower will become the tallest office tower in Metro Vancouver at 738 feet once complete. Additionally, the project will integrate with both Civic Plaza to the north and Surrey Central Station though new plaza space featuring a network of overhead canopies.

Location: University Dr & 102A Ave
Proposal: 19 & 47-Storey Office (1,181,500 SF), Institutional (152,783 SF), Retail (22,884 SF)
Developer: SCDC / City of Surrey
Architect: Hariri Pontarini / Adamson
Expected Completion: TBD

Aerial view looking east View looking south from Civic Plaza View looking south-west showing Centre Block’s integration with Surrey Central Station Plan view of Centre Block Phase 1 & 2

Construction

The past month saw one new major project begin construction. As of October 2021, there are 17 major projects under construction within City Centre, representing 16 high-rise and 7 low-rise buildings.

New Construction

Brightside Phase 1 (38-Storey Rental, Retail) – Site preparation & drilling underway

Continued Construction

Park George (35 & 39-Storey Condo) – Work underway on foundation and underground parking levels The Holland (25-Storey Condo) – Beginning to rise at corner of 133 St & Old Yale Rd One Central (44-Storey Condo, Retail) – View looking east from Central Ave. Main tower rising above podium. Holland Parkside Phase 1 (11-Storey Office, 19-Storey Rental) – Excavation progressing Parc Centrale (20-Storey Condo, Office, Legion) – Continuing to rise with 5 levels to go. Glazing and red paneling taking shape. Ledgeview (6-Storey Condo) – View from King George Blvd. Exterior work continues. Georgetown One (30-Storey Condo, Retail) – View looking south-west from future 102A Ave. Work continues on tower and podium. University District (28 & 37-Storey Condo, Retail) – View looking south from 105 Ave & University Dr Q5 (6-Storey Condo) – Excavation continues with crane now installed Belvedere (27-Storey Condo, Retail) – View looking south – Excavation progressing.

Completions

King George Hub – New public art installations within recently completed retail plaza King George Hub – View looking north from new retail plaza

The August Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of Council Approvals and Construction activity during the past month of July 2021.

Council Approvals

The past month saw 2 major projects receive approvals from Surrey City Council. As of August 2021, there are 37 major projects approved in City Centre, representing 40 high-rise and 25 low-rise buildings.

20 – 0244 | Innovation Village

This 3-tower mixed-use project by WestStone Group on King George Blvd across from Surrey Memorial Hospital received 3rd Reading (Preliminary Approval) on July 26. The application is seeking a Rezoning, OCP & City Centre Plan Amendment, and General Development Permit to allow for three towers to be built in phases.

The tallest tower (37-storeys) closest to King George Blvd is to contain retail & office space on levels 1-5 with residential above. The remaining 2 towers to the east (31 & 12-storeys) are to be entirely residential. Separate detailed Development Permit applications are to follow in the future for each building.

View looking north along new 95 Avenue Plan view of Innovation Village with new 95 Avenue through site

21 – 0072 | Brightside (Phase 3)

Phase 3 of BlueSky’s Brightside development went to Council on July 12, receiving approval to draft Development Permit. This phase of the project will include a 51-Storey mixed condo / rental tower and 2-storey standalone amenity building on the north-east corner of the site along 105 Ave.

The overall Brightside development originally received Rezoning and General Development Permit approval back in March 2020, later revised in February 2021 to include a 4th tower. Phase 1 will consist of a 38-storey rental tower on the south-west corner of the site at 104 Ave & City Parkway.

View looking south-west from King George Blvd towards Tower 3 View of Tower 3 base – looking south along new green lane from 105 Ave View of 2-storey amenity building along 105 Ave Overall Brightside Master Plan – Phase 3 at top right

Construction

The past month saw 2 new major construction starts and 1 completion. As of August 2021, there are 16 major projects under construction in City Centre, representing 15 high-rise and 7 low-rise buildings.

New Construction

Holland Parkside Phase 1 (11-Storey Office + 19-Storey Rental over retail) – Begun excavation Plaza One & Two (41 & 44-storey residential over office & retail) – The final phase of King George Hub has begun excavation

Continued Construction

Rosewood (5-Storey Supportive Housing) – now topped out on 137 St The Holland (25-Storey Residential) – Now at grade with construction beginning on level 1 One Central (44-Storey Residential & Retail) – Podium now topped off at 14 levels, with main tower to rise above University District (28 & 37-Storey Residential & Retail) – Towers beginning to rise above townhouse and retail podiums Parc Centrale (20-Storey Residential + Legion) – Main tower rising above podium on City Parkway Park Boulevard (41-Storey Residential) – Main entry on Park Plaza nearing completion Georgetown One (30-Storey Residential + Retail) – View from Central City Plaza Park George (35 & 39-Storey Residential) – Excavation now bottomed out Ledgeview (6-Storey Residential) – Now topped out at King George Blvd & 132 St with glazing & exterior work underway

Completions

Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – View from Fraser Hwy & George Junction Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – View of residential entries and new multi-use path along Fraser Hwy Hub One & Two at King George Hub (29 & 40-Storey Residential) – Retail plaza to open in Fall 2021

The May Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of new Development Applications, Council Approvals, and Construction activity during the past month of April 2021.

New Development Applications

One new development application was submitted in City Centre during the past month – a 6-Storey residential project located at 100A Ave & 133 St to the west of Holland Park.

21-0090 | 100A Ave & 133 St

A Rezoning, Subdivision, and Development Permit application was submitted in April for a proposed 6-Storey residential project consisting of 101 units at 100A Ave & 133 St. The site is located just south of two other 6-Storey residential projects under application, which together will begin to transition this existing Single Family area into a more urban low-rise multi-family residential district.

Initial Review Map

As of May 2021, there are 26 major development applications under initial review, consisting of approximately 30 high-rises, and 21 low-rises.

Council Approvals

Four projects received approvals from Surrey City Council during the past month.

18 – 0096 | 138 St & 105 Ave

This 6-Storey residential project located on a small 1/4 acre lot at the corner of 138 St & 105 Ave recived 3rd Reading (Preliminary Approval) in April. Due to its small and unique footprint for Surrey, the building will consist of just 28 units of rental housing. Completion is expected by 2024.

19 – 0004 | Park Central

This 6-Storey residential project on Old Yale Road just west of Holland Park recived 3rd Reading (Preliminary Approval) in April. Being developed by Peace Enterprises, the project will bring 43 rental units to the area along with a new extension of 133 Street south along the west side of the site. Completion is expected by 2024.

19 – 0367 | Whalley Station

Tien Sher Group received preliminary approval in April for for their 51-Storey mixed-use ‘Whalley Station’ project located at King George Blvd and 108 Ave. The tower is to become Surrey’s tallest building once completed, with 501 residential units above a 6-storey office and retail podium. The development will also create a new plaza on the south west corner of King George & 108 Ave leading into a grand 6-Storey atrium through the site. The current application is for a general development permit and rezoning only, with a separate detailed development permit application expected in the future.

20 – 0149 | Holland Parkside (Phase 1)

Phase 1 of Century Group’s Holland Parkside received its Development Permit in April to allow for a 19-storey rental residential tower, and 11-storey office building with ground level retail and a ‘market food hall’ at King George Blvd and 98 Ave. This first phase is part of a master plan for the site (approved in 2020) which will see 2 additional market residential towers developed on the western portion of the site in the future, subject to separate development permit applications. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to commence by Summer 2021.

Approved Projects Map

As of May 2021, there are 36 approved major projects in City Centre, consisting of 42 high-rises, and 24 low-rises.

Construction

No new projects began construction during the past month, however one project completed construction – 28-Storey Linea by Rize at 104 Ave & 133 St.

Active Construction Map

As of May 2021, there are 17 major projects under construction in City Centre, representing approximately 15 high-rises, and 8 low-rises.

28-Storey Linea by Rize now complete at 104 Ave & 133 St 20-Storey Veterans Village / Parc Centrale rising at City Parkway & 105A Ave Crane now installed for Townline’s 25-Storey ‘The Holland’ on Old Yale Rd 5-Storey Transitional Housing project ‘Rosewood’ rising above 137 St Street frontage upgrades underway in front of Camellia Seniors Housing on 132 St Birds Eye View of progress at University District by BlueSky Large canopy entrance along Fraser Highway at King George Hub New multi-use path along Fraser Highway as part of King George Hub Excavation underway for 23-Storey Centra on 101 Ave 44-Storey One Central rising in West Village

The April Issue of the City Centre Update is now available at SurreyCityCentre.ca. This month’s newsletter includes a round-up of new Development Applications, Council Approvals, and Construction activity during the prior month of March 2021.

New Development Applications

There were no new major development applications submitted in City Centre during March 2021.

As of April 2021, there are 30 major development applications under initial review (pre-council), consisting of approximately 34 towers, and 21 low-rises.

Major development applications under initial review as of April 2021

Council Approvals

No major projects received 3rd Reading (Preliminary Approval) from Surrey City Council during the past month of March, in part due to Spring Break.

As of April 2021, there are 33 approved major projects in City Centre, consisting of 42 towers, and 22 low-rises.

Approved major development applications as of April 2021

Construction

One new project began construction during March – A 23-storey market residential tower known as Centra by Everest Group located on 101 Ave at 139 St.

As of April 2021, there are 17 projects under construction in City Centre, representing 16 high-rises (>6 Storeys) and 7 low-rises (4-6-storeys).

Major projects under construction as of April 2021 30-Storey Georgetown One rising amidst the backdrop of King George Hub Parker by Mosaic progressing on 105 Ave near 140 St 44-Storey One Central rising above its podium on 133A St at Central Ave King George Hub office tower nearing completion at new intersection of King George Blvd and George Junction New road, bike path, and sidewalk along George Junction King George Hub office tower entrance fronting King George Blvd Legion ‘Veterans Village’ / Parc Centrale rising above City Parkway at 105A Ave 41-Storey Park Boulevard nearing completion along Whalley Blvd
Maverick nearing occupancy at Whalley Blvd & Grosevnor Rd

UrbanSurrey reported in June that SFU Surrey is moving forward with expansion plans for their City Centre campus which will include a new 5-storey Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering Building at 102 ave and University Drive. Since then, the project has been moving behind the scenes, and is scheduled to be presented to Council for Rezoning and General Development Permit at tonight’s July 11, 2016 council meeting

Design of the building is currently underway by Bing Thom Architects, the same architecture firm who designed Central City and the City Centre Library. At this stage, preliminary renderings have been released which show a main entrance at the corner of 102 Ave and University Dr, with a secondary entrance and grand atrium with staircase fronting onto University Dr. This staircase will provide views into the building from the street, and lead to the building’s main lecture hall. Detailed design of the building will be submitted as part of a detailed Development Permit application after the Rezoning By-law has received Third Reading or possibly Final Adoption. The building will be targeting the LEED Gold standard

For more information and drawings, the City of Surrey Planning & Development Report can be found here:

http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7916-0240-00.pdf