Office – UrbanSurrey

A new mixed-use development proposed for a vacant piece of land next to Holland Park is set to appear before Council on Monday, February 24 for 1st & 2nd Readings. Known as Holland Parkside, and being developed by Century Group (the same developer as 3 Civic Plaza), the project is proposing to bring a mix of market and rental housing, office, retail, restaurant, public food market, and courtyard green space to the growing neighbourhood surrounding King George Station. Overall, the project is to include:

  • 42 + 36 Storey Market Residential Towers above a townhouse base (818 Units)
  • 19-Storey Rental Residential Tower (204 Units)
  • 10-Storey Mid-Rise Office Tower (212,000 sq.ft. including retail)
  • Ground-level Retail in a double-height podium at the base of the office and rental towers along King George Blvd, including a 2-storey restaurant and large market hall for food vendors
  • A publicly accessible Central Courtyard on level 3 with an urban agriculture and food-related theme

Perspective along King George Blvd – Rental Residential Tower (Left), Office Mid-Rise (Right), and 2-Storey Retail / Market Hall Podium Perspective along west side of site adjacent to existing Single Family – Market Residential Towers and Townhouse Base Perspective along 99 Ave – Office Mid-Rise (Left) and Market Residential Tower (Right) Perspective along 98A Ave – Market Residential Tower (Left), Rental Residential Tower (Right), Level 3 Courtyard (Centre) A publicly accessible courtyard on level 3 in the centre of the site, accessible via a grand staircase through the site from King George Blvd

Designed by ZGF Architects, the development is to be built in phases over a number of years, subject to market conditions. The current application is for a Rezoning, City Centre Plan Amendment, and General Development Permit (for Form & Character) only. Detailed Development Permits for each phase will be brought forth at later dates under separate applications.

At the south end of the site, a small portion of land will be dedicated to allow for 98A Avenue to bend northward and intersect with ‘George Junction’ a new crescent road to connect through the King George Hub development across the street. At the north end of the site, a new 99 Ave will be constructed, which will then bend south around the development to connect to 98B Ave to the west. The existing single family housing to the west is expected to be redeveloped in the future to 4-6 Storey multi-family, as per the City Centre Plan.

Contextual view facing North-West Contextual View facing South-East Contextual View facing North-East

At this time, detailed design of project is still underway, and will continue to be refined through subsequent development permit applications for each phase. The report to Council notes that the first phase is expected to be constructed and ready for occupancy by summer 2024, although does not mention which portion will be developed first. Given that all 4 buildings share a common parkade, podium, and level 3 Central Courtyard, it’s unclear how the project would be built in phases.

For more on the project:

https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0217-00.pdf

Retail – UrbanSurrey

A new mixed-use development proposed for a vacant piece of land next to Holland Park is set to appear before Council on Monday, February 24 for 1st & 2nd Readings. Known as Holland Parkside, and being developed by Century Group (the same developer as 3 Civic Plaza), the project is proposing to bring a mix of market and rental housing, office, retail, restaurant, public food market, and courtyard green space to the growing neighbourhood surrounding King George Station. Overall, the project is to include:

  • 42 + 36 Storey Market Residential Towers above a townhouse base (818 Units)
  • 19-Storey Rental Residential Tower (204 Units)
  • 10-Storey Mid-Rise Office Tower (212,000 sq.ft. including retail)
  • Ground-level Retail in a double-height podium at the base of the office and rental towers along King George Blvd, including a 2-storey restaurant and large market hall for food vendors
  • A publicly accessible Central Courtyard on level 3 with an urban agriculture and food-related theme

Perspective along King George Blvd – Rental Residential Tower (Left), Office Mid-Rise (Right), and 2-Storey Retail / Market Hall Podium Perspective along west side of site adjacent to existing Single Family – Market Residential Towers and Townhouse Base Perspective along 99 Ave – Office Mid-Rise (Left) and Market Residential Tower (Right) Perspective along 98A Ave – Market Residential Tower (Left), Rental Residential Tower (Right), Level 3 Courtyard (Centre) A publicly accessible courtyard on level 3 in the centre of the site, accessible via a grand staircase through the site from King George Blvd

Designed by ZGF Architects, the development is to be built in phases over a number of years, subject to market conditions. The current application is for a Rezoning, City Centre Plan Amendment, and General Development Permit (for Form & Character) only. Detailed Development Permits for each phase will be brought forth at later dates under separate applications.

At the south end of the site, a small portion of land will be dedicated to allow for 98A Avenue to bend northward and intersect with ‘George Junction’ a new crescent road to connect through the King George Hub development across the street. At the north end of the site, a new 99 Ave will be constructed, which will then bend south around the development to connect to 98B Ave to the west. The existing single family housing to the west is expected to be redeveloped in the future to 4-6 Storey multi-family, as per the City Centre Plan.

Contextual view facing North-West Contextual View facing South-East Contextual View facing North-East

At this time, detailed design of project is still underway, and will continue to be refined through subsequent development permit applications for each phase. The report to Council notes that the first phase is expected to be constructed and ready for occupancy by summer 2024, although does not mention which portion will be developed first. Given that all 4 buildings share a common parkade, podium, and level 3 Central Courtyard, it’s unclear how the project would be built in phases.

For more on the project:

https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7918-0217-00.pdf

Mixed-Use Development – UrbanSurrey

A development application has been submitted for a new mixed-use project on 104 Ave near Whalley Blvd. The subject site is made up of 3 existing properties that span the block between 104 Ave and Central Ave just east of Whalley Blvd. The site is currently occupied by a run-down early 1970’s strip mall known as ‘Plaza 104’.

According to details of the development application, the applicant – Andrew Cheung Architects – is seeking to rezone the property and amend both the Official Community Plan and City Centre Plan for increased density from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR to allow for a phased 1149 unit mixed-use development containing 10,720 sq.ft. of commercial space. This translates into approximately 3 high-rise residential towers above retail. In addition, the development would dedicate a new north-south road through the site, as well as 2 new lanes as per the City Centre Plan.

The current application is seeking a Development Permit for phase 1, which is to contain a single tower (383 units) and all 10,720 sq.ft. of commercial space on a newly subdivided parcel fronting 104 Avenue. The remaining phases of the project to the south would be subject to future applications.

Site in context of the City Centre Plan showing future road and lane dedications Subject Site on 104 Avenue east of Whalley Blvd containing a 1970’s strip mall Birds-eye view of site looking south from 104 Ave

For more on the application: https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=19&seq=0060

West Village Energy Centre – UrbanSurrey

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

Surrey City Energy – UrbanSurrey

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

Wensley Architecture – UrbanSurrey

Lark Group‘s 10-storey ‘City Centre 3’ development across from Surrey Memorial Hospital is set to appear before Council on Monday, September 11 for 1st & 2nd readings. The project is the 3rd in a series of towers being developed by Lark Group as part of the emerging medical, technology district dubbed Innovation Boulevard. The tower follows the 12-storey ‘City Centre 1’ completed in 2014, and the currently under construction 12-storey ‘City Centre 2’. A Business in Vancouver article published earlier this year indicated that Lark Group has plans for up to 8 towers in total for the area, envisioned to become a “Stanford University type” medical / research hub.

Like its predecessors, City Centre 3 will provide office space for a mix of medical offices, research, and tech firms, along with ground-floor retail. It will also provide space for a new private surgical centre. The development is seeking both OCP and City Centre Plan amendments from 3.5 FAR to 5.5 FAR, as well as Rezoning and Development Permit. Designed by Wensley Architecture Ltd., the building offers a striking design and will be a welcome addition to the growing cluster of mid-rise towers in the quickly urbanizing area at the south end of Surrey City Centre.

April 2017 – UrbanSurrey

WestStone Group’s ‘West Village 5’ is heading to Council on Monday, just 3 months after an initial application was submitted for the project back in January. In a Planning Report released on Friday, it was revealed that all residential units in the 44-storey building are to be rental housing, signifying a resurgence towards purpose-built rental housing amongst developers. In all the project is to consist of:

  • 11 Townhouse units
  • 539 Apartment units ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms
  • 14,676 sq.ft. of commercial space consisting of ground-level retail with 2 floors of office above.

It is expected that the commercial/retail component of the project will anchor the new intersection of 133A St and Central Ave (103 Ave), adding to the retail/commercial along Central Ave currently under construction at Evolve. Central Ave will eventually connect directly through to Civic Plaza, Surrey Central station, and beyond, forming a new commercial/residential ‘High Street’ through Surrey City Centre.

It was also indicated in the planning report that the project is set to proceed on an expedited schedule, with completion and occupancy intended by Fall 2020. This would mean the project would need to begin construction later this year.


Revised Master Plan for West Village. Evolve currently under construction on Parcel 4 and subject proposal shown on Parcel 5.


Site plan showing currently under construction Evolve and subject proposal.


Elevation renderings of the project in relation to surrounding proposed and existing towers.


View of the rapidly growing West Village neighbourhood. Subject site located directly in front of the existing 36-storey Ultra Tower.

For more details:

http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7917-0011-00.pdf

Photo update of Bosa Properties’ Gateway Place taken on April 17, 2017. Project is nearing completion with sidewalk fencing now removed, and work on the interior retail and office space underway. Expected completion and move-in of retail tenants likely by Summer 2017.


Looking east on 108 Avenue next to Station Tower


Looking north into the public plaza between Station Tower and Gateway Place


Metal grating installed for green-wall planting on the west side of Gateway Place 


Future green-wall and public plaza between Station Tower and Gateway Place


View from 108 Avenue looking north-east


View from 108 Avenue looking north-west


View looking west on 108 Avenue towards Gateway Station


New sidewalk and separated bike path looking north on City Parkway


New sidewalk and separated bike path looking south on City Parkway. 


Future location of Nester’s Market and cafe along City Parkway


View from Gateway Station

Further to news in January on the submission of a development application for WestStone Group’s next tower in West Village, more details have now surfaced showing changes to the original plan.

As per a recently released rendering of the project by Adessa Visuals, and application details from the City of Surrey, the project is now proposed as a 46-storey tower above a 14-storey podium. The significant massing of the project is a departure from early plans for the site, which showed a tower above a commercial/retail podium similar to the under construction Evolve next door. Early plans also showed a small plaza/park space on the southern portion of the site, which has now been replaced by the 14-storey podium, covering the entire site.

The scale of the project, designed by Vancouver-based Chris Dikeakos Architects is set to further transform the growing West Village neighbourhood to the west of Surrey Central Station. This latest tower is Phase 5 of an eventual 8 Phase project.


West Village Plan showing previous plan for site on Parcel 5 with the park now replaced by a 14-storey podium.

PCI Group has submitted a new application for the second phase of their four-phase mixed-use ‘The Hub’ development at King George Station, indicating that the project may finally be moving forward. Details of the application available so far indicate that Phase B will include approximately 120,000 sq.ft. of retail space, 9,000 sq.ft. of restaurant space, a 15-storey office tower, and 736 residential units within 2 towers.  This description is a bit misleading however, as the office tower will actually form the base of one of the residential towers combining to make up a total 39-storey signature tower at the corner of King George Blvd and Fraser Hwy. The second tower is to be a 12-storey mid-rise rental residential building fronting Fraser Highway.


Signature 39-Storey tower at Fraser Hwy and KGB with combined office base and residential above.

This latest application is an amendment of a previous 2014 application already in process for Phase B. Details of that application were similar, seeking a Development Permit for 2 residential towers (39 and 12 storeys), and a 13-storey office tower (base of the 39-storey residential tower), with commercial, retail, restaurants, and a cinema at ground level. The main purpose of the new amended application is to accommodate the future LRT station on site along King George Blvd, which is expected to begin construction in 2018. Phase A of the project, completed back in 2015, included the iconic 10-storey Coast Capital Savings headquarters building.

A development application has finally been submitted for a proposed 50-storey ‘Education Mega Centre’ first announced last fall by WestStone Group. The mixed-use building which is to consist of student housing, a college campus, commercial uses, and hotel, is set to replace the well-known Stardust roller skating rink that has been on the site since the 1970’s. The project is a partnership between the education and student-housing investment company CIBT Education Group  and Surrey developer WestStone Group. CIBT already owns and operates a global network of business, technical, and language colleges throughout North America and Asia.

According to CIBT’s website, the proposed Mega Center is expected to be an iconic 50-storey high-rise tower. Details include:

  • The Mega Centre will be located at the heart of Surrey city center immediately between Simon Fraser University and future location of Kwantlan Polytechnic University. With Surrey’s state of the art Civic Library and the iconic Surrey City Hall located within one block, along with Surrey Central SkyTrain station and the central bus loop located in front of the Mega Center and the upcoming Light Rail Transit (LRT) system on its doorstep, this is one of the most desirable and convenient locations for students and visitors.
  • It is being proposed that the podium of the Mega Center (levels 1 to 2) will provide for many supporting amenities such as a food court, student lounge, computer centre, electronic library, conference rooms as well as office space for education consultants and other industry related services.
  • Levels 3 to 6 will be leased to 20 educational institutions from around the world as their satellite campuses in Surrey.
  • Levels 8 to 26 will be comprised of residential suites designed for long term stay international students.
  • Levels 7 and 27 will be comprised of amenity space such as fitness centre and lounges for long term residents and student hotel guests.
  • Upper floors from level 28 to 49 will be GEC’s flagship student hotel for short term stays.
  • Level 50 will be the front desk and check in area for the student hotel.
  • The Mega Center will consist of approximately 550,000 square feet and a development budget of $230 million.

Prime on the Plaza is beginning to shape the new intersection of University Dr and 103 Ave. As of April 6, the retail/townhouse podium of the building had reached 4-storeys along University Dr, and 3-storeys further back along future 103 Ave. The podium will eventually reach 4-storeys for the entire base of the building, before the tower begins to rise above it to a height of 37-storeys.

Townline – UrbanSurrey

Townline’s upcoming project ‘The Holland’ on Old Yale Rd at 133 St near Holland Park is heading to Council Monday for 1st & 2nd readings. The 25-storey condo tower has been under application since 2014, but is finally moving forward after years on hold.

According to the Planning Report to Council, the tower and its base of townhomes are to be Phase 1 of a two-phased development of the site, which includes 4 properties along Old Yale Rd between 133 St and University Dr. The 25-storey phase 1 will occupy the western portion of the site, with a future Phase 2 to replace the existing 6-storey Kinsman Place Lodge on the eastern portion of the site. The Kinsman Place Lodge is a care facility currently operated by Fraser Health, scheduled to close in March 2019.

Subject Site at Old Yale Rd & 133 St 3D View of Subject Site containing existing Kinsman Place Lodge

In total, the development is proposed to contain 250 units, consisting of 145 one-bedroom units and 96 two-bedroom units within the 25-storey tower, and 9 townhouse units in a 3-storey base along Old Yale Rd and 133 St. The development will also dedicate and construct the start of a new north-south road between Phase 1 and the existing Kinsman Place Lodge (future phase 2) – helping to achieve the goal of a finer-grained road network in the City Centre.

In exchange for density, the developer is proposing an enhanced public realm along Old Yale Rd reflecting its heritage as one of Surrey’s earliest roads. This is to include 2 new corner plazas at either end of the development, as well as an increased setback from the street, double sidewalks, enhanced tree planting and landscaping, high quality surface materials, and the use of heavy timber cedar benches reflecting the logging history of the area.

Proposed Landscape Plan containing enhanced public realm along Old Yale Rd Elevation of proposed 25-storey tower along Old Yale Rd East and West elevations of proposed tower

A sales centre for the tower is expected to open across the street from the site to the south of Old Yale Rd in the fall, with construction expected to begin in 2019, and completion / occupancy targeted for Spring 2021.

For more on the application:

https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7914-0208-00.pdf

3 Civic Plaza – UrbanSurrey

The Marriott Autograph Collection, Civic Hotel officially opened on Wednesday, becoming the first hotel in Surrey’s new City Centre. While the hotel is now accepting bookings after being delayed for months, much of the building remains under construction. Aside from the condominium and KPU portions of the building which are expected to open later this year, the hotel’s outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, and rooftop amenity spaces are also yet to open. Dominion Bar + Kitchen did open along with the hotel however, and has already become a hot spot bustling with activity. Prado Cafe while close to completion, is expected to open in the coming weeks.

As for the hotel’s lobby fronting onto Civic Plaza, the high columned ceilings, beautiful detailing, woodwork, art, and lounge spaces create a strong sense of place, flooded with natural light through the podium’s glass curtain wall. The Prado Cafe blends in seamlessly with the lobby, rather than functioning as a stand-alone cafe like their other locations.

Already, only being open a few days, the hotel and restaurant has brought new energy to the area, which will only grow once the rest of the building opens, and bookings begin to fill up for hotel guests and conferences. Bookings for rooms, as well as meetings and other events can be made through the Civic Hotel website https://civichotel.ca. More info on Dominion Bar + Kitchen can be found at https://dominionkitchen.com

Guest business centre in lobby

Prado Cafe still under construction – expected to open in coming weeks

Entrance to Dominion Bar + Kitchen from hotel lobby

The long awaited opening of Civic Hotel may finally be just around the corner. After numerous delays – having originally been set to open back in November – the hotel is finally showing signs that it is nearing completion. This week, fencing came down from in front of the building’s main lobby and Dominion Bar + Kitchen fronting Civic Plaza. In addition, landscaping has been planted next to Dominion’s patio, and a newly opened portion of Central Avenue. Signage for Dominion has also been installed on the awning.

While no official date has been set for opening, according to the Dominion Bar + Kitchen website, the restaurant is tentatively scheduled to host its first event – a comedy show – on April 21, 2018. The Marriott reservations website is now taking bookings for Civic Hotel for dates beginning on March 28, 2018 (although the available booking date has been pushed back in the past).

Despite looking nearing completion, it seems we will still have to wait another month or two before the hotel and restaurant open. Numerous things remain to be finished on the building including a number of additional signs to be installed, the removal of a construction elevator on the condo portion of the building, the completion of Civic Plaza lane on the north side of the building, the construction of Prado Cafe on the north side, and the finishing of numerous retail units along City Parkway. It is clear now that the building will open in phases – with the Hotel and Dominion Bar + Kitchen opening first, retail units along City Parkway likely following later this spring, the Condo tower by summer, and the 5-storey KPU campus this fall.

According to sources working on the project – one reason for the delayed opening of the building has been a water leak, affecting the elevator shaft of the main tower. This has delayed the removal of the exterior construction elevator for several months, as well as the exterior finishing of the north side of the tower, where the future Prado Cafe, and an exterior green wall will be. Rumours on the forum SkyscraperPage this week indicated that the construction elevator may finally be coming down by next week, which would hopefully help wrap up the exterior of the building prior to the hotel’s opening in less than 2 months. Regardless, it seems the building will remain an active construction site (at least on the inside) on the main tower and KPU portion, while the hotel and restaurant open on the other.

Dominion Bar + Kitchen nearing completion fronting Civic Plaza Landscaping along Central Avenue next to the Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio Staircase and entry to Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio New sidewalk along Central Avenue next to Dominion Bar + Kitchen Patio Dominion Bar + Kitchen + Civic Hotel Entrance along Civic Plaza Lane Daytime shot of Dominion Bar + Kitchen – additional signage for Civic Hotel still to be installed on podium Dominion Bar + Kitchen featuring numerous doors/windows which will open to the Plaza Civic Hotel Lobby Civic Hotel Lobby Civic Plaza Lane in front of Hotel Lobby

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

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.

August 2021 Update – UrbanSurrey

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