The recently completed Phase 1 of PCI Group’s The HUB at King George Station. Designed by MCM Partnership Architects, this striking building brings new energy to the area south of King George Station, and is home to Coast Capital Savings new Headquarters.

For more on The HUB:
http://www.thehubkgs.com

Photos by UrbanSurrey – June 7, 2016

Initially announced back in the Fall 0f 2015, the Whalley Legion Veterans Village project took a major step forward today, announcing a partnership with Surrey-based developer Lark Group, to develop twin towers on the site of the existing Whalley Legion at 13525 106 Ave.

As per the news release, the twin tower project of unspecified height will be a multi-purpose facility and a centre of excellence in clinical and rehabilitation services for Veterans and first responders. It will offer a mixture of social and affordable housing, assisted living, a therapeutic centre, community gardens, research centre, and space for the delivery of health care programs and services.

The news release states that the next step in the process is to work with Lark Group to finalize the scope of the project, and it is expected that site preparations and construction could be underway by spring 2017. This timeline seems ambitious given there has yet to be a development application submitted for the project, and given the time necessary to move the application through the approvals process. With Lark Group as the partnering developer however, the project is now very likely to move forward, given Lark Group’s experience in developing large projects in Surrey, most notably the City Centre 1 and City Centre 2 office towers adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Aside from being a major redevelopment of the Whalley Legion itself, the iconic twin tower concept for the project designed by Michael Green Architecture could be a catalyst for rejuvenation of the area between 104th Avenue and 108th Avenue. The project is located directly adjacent to Surrey’s notorious 135A “Strip”. So far not many details have been released on the towers themselves, only that the design is conceptual, and that it will be greater than 20 storeys in height. When complete, the facility will be the first of its kind in Canada.

http://www.larkgroup.com/legion-veterans-village-project-takes-a-major-step-forward/

More on the project:

http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/content/canadas-first-veterans-village

A quick photo update of the 3 Civic Plaza development in Surrey City Centre which is now starting to dominate the area and skyline. The building has now reached 31 levels in height and will continue to climb until it reaches its final height of 48 stories, by the end of this year.

When complete, the building will be heavily mixed-use, containing a Marriott brand Autograph Collection Hotel, condominiums, office space, a satellite campus of Kwantlen Polytechnical University (KPU), a health club, restaurant, and retail.

An open house was held on Nov 30 to discuss the future of Forsyth Park, a new 3 hectare park in the north-east area of the City Centre near 106th & 140th St. The City of Surrey has been acquiring properties for the park since 1989 and is now ready to embark on its first phase of development, beginning with public consultation and design this winter, and moving into construction by summer in time for a fall 2017 opening. With the area slowly starting to densify with recent multi-family projects such as Porte Communities’ HQ directly south of the park, the timing is now right to develop such an amenity space in the area.

As part of the open house that was held, a number of display boards were presented that provided a preliminary concept of what the park may look like, with this likely to be modified based on comments received from the open house. The park is envisioned to be a ‘Contemporary Urban Place’ for neighbourhood residents to enjoy the outdoors, play, and bring their dogs. One of the boards also provided a glimpse of how this park will tie into a network of greenways, spaces, and parks throughout the city centre as it develops over the next few decades. This illustrative plan also gives a good impression of how the City Centre itself will transform over-time, with a finer grained street grid, and a more compact urban form. See below for images.

http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2076.aspx

Illustrative Plan close-up of the Surrey Central area:

Illustrative Plan close-up of the King George area:

WestStone’s controversial Care Facility and Seniors Living project on the site of a mobile home park at 9525 King George Blvd is returning to Council December 5. The project received preliminary approval (1st & 2nd reading) back in June of 2015, but scheduling of a Public Hearing (3rd reading) was deferred to a later date until a City policy on manufactured home park redevelopment be updated, and resident concerns be addressed. Since then, WestStone has completed its acquisition of all 47 mobile-homes in the park, in accordance with the City’s updated manufactured home redevelopment policy, providing relocation assistance to park residents. City staff are now recommending that Council set a date for Public Hearing and approve proceeding to Public Notification for a Development Variance Permit.

According to WestStone, the closing date for the last of its acquisitions in the park will be in June 2017, at which point, the park will be vacated, and work can begin on site clearing, preparation, and construction, pending approvals. When complete, the project will bring a new 12-storey mixed-use care facility and office building to the site, along with two 6-storey independent seniors living apartment buildings. The site is located just south of 96th Avenue on the west side of King George Blvd across from Surrey Memorial Hospital, and will add to the growing cluster of medical-related care, research, and office uses in the Innovation Boulevard district. The project will also dedicate an extension of 95th Avenue through the site, improving the City Centre road network.

http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0114-00(3).pdf

Concord Pacific’s next phase of development near King George Station has recently entered pre-sales, with a new site now up at www.parkboulevardliving.com for potential buyers to register.

This next phase will add a 6th tower to the Concord Pacific community in Surrey, following the original 3-tower Park Place, and 2-tower Park Avenue developments. Concord first submitted a development application for the project back in July 2016 for a 42-storey tower on the site, which is slightly higher than the previous towers constructed which are in the 36 to 40-storey range.

Despite an application for a single 42-storey tower, a rendering on the front page of the Park Boulevard site depicts what appears to be a tower of less than 42-storeys, as well as an additional shorter tower on the site. While the rendering is likely inaccurate and just a placeholder, it remains unclear whether Concord intends to develop a 2nd tower on this site as part of a separate application. If so, this would be consistent with the original plan for the site, initially developed by Korean developer Jung Developments as Infinity in the late 2000’s. Concord took over the project in 2008, re-branding it as ‘Park Place’ after Jung Developments was forced to bail on the project mid-construction during the 2008 financial crisis.

https://www.parkboulevardliving.com/

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

A 26-Storey residential tower proposed at Central Ave and 133 St in the growing West Village neighbourhood received Preliminary Approval following Public Hearing on January 13. The project, named ‘CityWalk’ and being developed by Huacheng Holdings is located directly across from the new West Village District Energy Centre and Park, as well as the recently completed Evolve tower.

Designed by Wilson Chang Architect, the project is to include 223 units within a 26-storey tower above a 4-storey podium with ground-oriented townhouse units at the base fronting along Central Ave and 133 St. The building is intended to transition height from taller towers east of the site, down to a low to mid-rise form west of the site along 132 St at the edge of City Centre.

Perspective view looking north-east with 36-storey Evolve across the street View facing south-west from 133 St & Central Ave View facing north from proposed Public Pathway View facing north west from 133 St

As part of the Landscape Plan prepared for the site by Vancouver’s ETA Landscape Architecture, a public walkway is proposed along the south side of the building, lending the project its name. This pathway will connect to an existing public walkway across the street to the east between the Evolve and Ultra towers, and eventually extend further east through to Civic Plaza as more projects develop. A green-roof is also proposed as part of the plan on top of the low-rise podium.

Additionally as part of the project, Central Avenue will see its remaining south half dedicated and constructed west of 133 St for the length of the site, inclusive of a separated bike lane to match the already constructed north side of the street.

Having now received 3rd Reading, the project can be expected to receive Final Approval within a year, and completion likely by 2024-5.

For more on the project https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0125-00.pdf

Earlier this month, excavation began for what is to become Surrey’s 2nd tallest tower – One Central in West Village. The 44-Storey, 134m (438 ft.) tower by China-based developer Aoyuan will rise at the corner of 133A St and Central Ave, adding to the growing cluster of towers in the densely populated West Village neighbourhood.

Once complete, the tower will contain 550 units, including 11 ground-oriented townhouses at its base, and 4,596 sq. ft. of ground-level retail space. The building will also include 11,501 sq. ft. of indoor amenity space throughout the building on levels 1, 3, 14, 34, and 44 – signified by horizontal architectural breaks in the tower, and 10,247 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space, including an expansive rooftop deck. 

With excavation now underway, building completion can be expected by late 2022 / early 2023.

https://onecentral.ca

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

Excavation got underway this week for Rize Alliance’s 28-storey Linea at 104 Avenue and 133 Street. Linea is phase 2 to its predecessor and twin ‘Wave’ which was completed in 2015. Upon completion, both towers will stand at 28-storeys and feature the same signature curved balconies and orange accents.

In addition to the new tower, Linea will also improve the streetscapes along 133 Street and 104 Avenue with new street-oriented townhouses, add a common outdoor amenity area between the 2 towers, and create a new north-south lane to the east of the site. Completion is expected by early 2022.

Linea site from Wave tower Linea site from 133 Street Rendering of Linea and Wave Ground level Site Plan of Wave and Linea site Rooftop Site Plan of Wave and Linea site Rendering of proposed tower from 133A St

Mason Link Development has released a rendering of one of their upcoming projects in City Centre at 133A St & Central Avenue (future). The tower, which is not yet under application (but should be soon), is to be located just behind the new SFU building, replacing some of the last remaining single family homes in the area, and closing the last remaining portion of former 103 Avenue.

In the rendering released, a 26-storey tower is depicted above a townhouse podium fronting 133A St. At the north end of the site, there will be some dedication for the new alignment of Central Avenue. This corner is designated for mixed-use under the City Centre Plan – so retail is possible on the Central Avenue frontage. To the south of the site, there are plans for a covered bus layover facility – which when complete – will allow for the removal of the Surrey Central Bus Loop and re-development of the ‘Central Block’ where the Rec Centre and Bus Loop currently sit. To the east of the site is the currently under construction Prime on the Plaza, and new north-south green lane.

Subject Site within City Centre Plan Conceptual plan for ‘Centre Block’ area showing future Covered Bus Layover Facility and Subject Site

While an application has yet to be submitted, the subject site has been fenced off for a number of months now, with Mason Link signage posted. If an application is submitted within the next year, sales / construction can be expected to commence sometime in the early 2020’s.

Aoyuan Canada has launched a registration page for their upcoming 44-storey condo project at Central Ave & 133A St in West Village. Previously dubbed ‘West Village 5‘ – the tower is the 5th phase of the master planned ‘West Village’ neighbourhood being developed by Weststone Group. The tower was initially proposed as an all rental building  back in 2017, but later switched to market housing after being taken over by Aoyuan in 2018.

According to the One Central website, the tower will include 550 units, and is expected to be completed by 2022. The project will also feature ground level retail space.

View from rooftop amenity area of One Central

https://onecentral.ca

A development application has been submitted for a mixed-use tower at 10731 King George Blvd just south of 108 Avenue. The subject site is made up of 3 existing lots which currently contain a run-down 2-storey commercial/residential building, and a 1-storey medical clinic.

The subject application is proposing to consolidate the 3 lots into 1, rezone the site from CHI to CD (based on RM-135 and C-15), as well amend the City Centre Plan to permit a 345-unit mixed-use development. The site is currently designated ‘Mixed-Use (3.5 FAR)’ under the City Centre Plan. In addition to redevelopment of the site, the application would also dedicate a portion of future 107A Avenue just to the South. The 2 adjacent properties to the South are currently owned by the City for the purposes of completing this new road connection.

View of Site from King George Blvd Subject Site within City Centre Plan – Designated Mixed-Use 3.5 FAR

The subject site is located directly across King George Blvd from Tien Sher’s anticipated ‘Whalley District’ development, set to replace the recently closed-down Flamingo Hotel and Bar. Combined, both projects would mark the beginning of renewal and transformation of the area surrounding King George & 108 Avenue, which has become notoriously run-down over the past few decades. This area is designated as a ‘Historic District’ in the City Centre Plan, due to its historical significance as the place of Surrey’s early urban beginnings surrounding the former ‘Whalley’s Corner’ Gas Stop.

For more on the application:

https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=19&seq=0048

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 construction hoarding has finally come down at Bosa Property’s University District at 104 Ave & University Dr. Work continues on the exterior and interior of the building as it gets a coat of white paint, new sidewalks, and other finishing touches.

No sign yet on what retail may be going in at street level. There are currently 5 retail units listed for lease on form.ca ranging between 490 – 922 sq.ft. The 2nd floor of the podium is up for lease as office space with a total of 5,603 sq.ft. Availability is set for Q1 2017.

http://form.ca/universitydistrict.pdf

Anthem Properties’ announced on Tuesday the acquisition of new 4.4 acre site at 10232 Whalley Blvd on the corner of 102 Avenue. The site is currently occupied by a Toys R’ Us and Dollarama, and is located directly across the street from the developer’s soon-to-be underway ‘Georgetown’ master-planned community – which received preliminary approval for Phase 1 back in April.

In the news release, Anthem notes that they plan on submitting a development application for rezoning of the site in the near future, to allow for a new ‘master-planned residential community’ in line with the City Centre Plan. The site is currently designated ‘Mixed-use / Mid to High-Rise 3.5 FAR’, similar to ‘Georgetown’ across the street, but is likely to see lower towers heights as a transition away from the core to lower density designated lands to the east.

Subject Site within City Centre Plan – designated ‘Mixed-Use / Mid to High Rise 3.5 FAR’ Anthem’s proposed ‘Georgetown’ master-planned community on existing Canadian Tire / Save-On Food site

It is unclear whether the new acquisition will become an extension of ‘Georgetown’ or be marketed as a stand-alone development. Also unclear is how the project will fit into the anticipated decade-long phasing of Georgetown’s 7 towers across the street – whether the project will come to market concurrently with one of those phases or be marketed after the build-out of Georgetown.

For more on Anthem’s Georgetown:

https://anthemproperties.com/properties/surrey-city-centre/