[New West] Sapperton Green | Proposed

[Zassk]

http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/1174...ml?mobile=true


Office buildings planned for Braid Street SkyTrain Station in New Westminster
By NewsLeader Staff - New Westminster News Leader


Published: March 04, 2011 11:00 AM
Updated: March 04, 2011 11:28 AM


The owner of this 38-acre parcel is well on its way to building two office buildings, but is seeking input for the remaining portion of the property.
Google maps

The owners of a 38-acre site next to Braid SkyTrain Station in New Westminster could soon get to work building two office buildings.

The zoning is in place, and they hope to soon get approval to begin construction.

And they plan to begin a conversation with residents in April about what will be done with the rest—about 30 acres—of the large property.

The land, owned by Bentall Kennedy, currently consists of a vacant lot and a massive warehouse/distribution facility.

The owner is seeking a development permit for the two office buildings on the southwest portion of the site, a use that conforms to the existing zoning

The proposed master plan for the remaining portion would require an amendment to the city's Official Community Plan, the development of design guidelines and a future rezoning.

This would require an "extensive public review process," a report coming to city council on Monday (March 7) states.

To that end, the proponent, represented by consultant Gary Pooni of Brook Pooni Associates, hopes to begin engaging residents as soon as next month.

The site is designated as business park in the city's Brunette Creek Neighbourhood Plan, which allows for business park and related uses, including "non-population dependent office uses and/or public transportation facilities. In the Brunette Creek neighbourhood, residential uses will also be considered within this designation."

According to the report, "The Braid Station area is seen as being strategically significant to the city to meet future employment needs, research and development opportunities and synergies related to the Royal Columbian Hospital. It is also seen as an opportunity to explore the development of an exemplary transit-oriented community with retail and services to meet the needs of the local community and SkyTrain riders, as well as potentially some residential development."

Creating an office park next to a SkyTrain station meets the city's goals outlined in its Official Community Plan, its Livable City Strategy and the strategies contained in the new Regional Growth Strategy, the report stated.

If approved by council, public consultation for the master plan could begin in April and include community forums, informational open houses and hands-on workshops; meetings with interested groups such as residents' associations and business groups; and the development of a Community Advisory Group to provide input into the development of the plan.

The city notes that the next round of consultation for the United Boulevard Extension project is also about to begin and that there could be conflicts.

[officedweller]

Nice that there's office development next to the station.
I'd probably rather see it in downtown New West a few stops away, but it's more intensive use than condos.

[officedweller]

Sort of related:

From the New West NewsLeader:

Braid SkyTrain Station area would be good site for regional office

Published: January 18, 2011 9:00 AM
Updated: January 18, 2011 9:37 AM

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation proposes to build a new regional office building at the former Bargain Castle property sandwiched between the Trans-Canada and Lougheed highways in Coquitlam.

The building will also house the tolling operations centre for the new Port Mann Bridge and a post-disaster command centre for Metro Vancouver.

The building will accommodate 300 people.

The proposed location is susceptible to recurrent flooding. It would have poor access by public transit, requiring a bus connection from the nearest SkyTrain stations.

It is isolated.

A better location to build this facility would be on vacant property adjacent to the Braid SkyTrain Station in New Westminster.

The Braid site would offer live-work possibilities, fostering “green” community development.

This new facility could bring needed employment to the City of New Westminster.

Derek Wilson

Port Moody

[hollywoodnorth]

interesting story

[Chadillaccc]

So is this just a pipe dream or has anything actually happened in the last year?

[officedweller]

New Westminster awaits massive Sapperton Green development

Theresa McManus / Royal City Record
September 19, 2013

...

Council will soon receive an official application for amendments to the official community plan.

...

Astles said the goal is to build a vibrant mixed-use community on the transit line. He said the process to date has garnered support for a mixed-used development that includes multifamily rental dwellings, office space, retail and other uses.

...

According to Astles, Bentall Kennedy had been talking to TransLink about the possibility of locating its head office in the development, but that didn’t work out and it moved into the Brewery District. He said TransLink didn’t want to wait until other amenities (like residential) were available on the site – and didn’t like the traffic issues around the site.

As part of the project, Bentall Kennedy is proposing the creation of a new intersection under SkyTrain and improved signal coordination be made to traffic lights in the area.

Astles said the plan is to improve the site’s connections with Hume Park and Brunette Creek.

...

In addition to making the most of the site’s proximity to Hume Park and Brunette Creek, Astles said there’s an opportunity to improve connections to the SkyTrain station, by bringing residents to the station via the site rather than along the busy Braid Street. He told council that providing opportunities for people to walk in animated areas with cafes and other services would make it a desirable walk to the station.

...

Council members suggested Bentall Kennedy consult with Fraser Health about its future needs for Royal Columbian Hospital in case it’s interested in offering services at the site.

http://www.royalcityrecord.com/new-w...pment-1.630654

[queetz@home]

Is that large vacant lot beside the Braid skytrain station part of this? That lot has had that for lease sign by Bentall (way before they had "Kennedy") since even before Millenium Line opened!

And I find it ironic that Translink would not locate there because of "traffic", which is what they should be trying to solve. Plus they were the ones that didn't want to even lease that site for a park and ride; this goes back to 2004ish, something Dougie Mc mentioned in one of those "public meetings". Their excuse was New West didn't want it (which could be true, but can always be negotiated) but also because they didn't want to add park and ride facilities in general.

[red-paladin]

The vacant lot and the giant warehouse w/ rail line access.
Would almost make a nice spot for an Amtrack station in a perfect world, so that riders from the US bound for suburbs could get on the Skytrain instead of going all the way downtown.

[queetz@home]

Originally Posted by red-paladin

The vacant lot and the giant warehouse w/ rail line access.
Would almost make a nice spot for an Amtrack station in a perfect world, so that riders from the US bound for suburbs could get on the Skytrain instead of going all the way downtown.

Yeah, when the DMU (Diesel Multiple Units) were proposed as an alternative for the Evergreen Line, the plan was to use those tracks and build a station at Braid. I recall they wanted to twin some parts of it that were currently single tracked, but will also need to deal with the railway company to make this happen.

We all know what happened afterwards, but yeah, it would be nice if a passenger rail service of sorts (even a DMU but no longer focused on Evergreen) is implemented.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by queetz@home

And I find it ironic that Translink would not locate there because of "traffic", which is what they should be trying to solve.

Sapperton is a lot friendlier for office workers than this one would be - this is equivalent to an office park - no amenities except as part of the project itself. THAT would be the overriding reason for location choice.

_____

Reminder of the project website:

http://www.sappertongreen.com/

[queetz@home]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Sapperton is a lot friendlier for office workers than this one would be - this is equivalent to an office park - no amenities except as part of the project itself. THAT would be the overriding reason for location choice.

_____

Reminder of the project website:

http://www.sappertongreen.com/

That's true, and I would have gone for the Brewery myself. But one of the pet peeves that people have with Translink Executives is they don't really experience the inadequacy of our transportation network, hence don't really have the drive to truly improve underserved areas.

So if they were located in an area where traffic is an issue, then people would feel that they would be more motivated to find solutions, regardless of funding constraints. Personally, I would have moved Translink to South of Fraser that is not along the Skytrain line, just to show people that "I feel your pain, hence we really want to find solutions for you".

It certainly gives an agency that is already such a favourite whipping boy by a lot of people even more reason to be annoyed at. If traffic was not the issue, it shouldn't have been mentioned at all in a news article.

[cornholio]

Originally Posted by queetz@home

Is that large vacant lot beside the Braid skytrain station part of this? That lot has had that for lease sign by Bentall (way before they had "Kennedy") since even before Millenium Line opened!

And I find it ironic that Translink would not locate there because of "traffic", which is what they should be trying to solve. Plus they were the ones that didn't want to even lease that site for a park and ride; this goes back to 2004ish, something Dougie Mc mentioned in one of those "public meetings". Their excuse was New West didn't want it (which could be true, but can always be negotiated) but also because they didn't want to add park and ride facilities in general.

I would not be surprised at this being a calculated remark in order to give New Westminster a subtle hint that if they stonewall the United Boulevard upgrade then no new office/job development will be happening on this massive site any time soon. The timing also coincides well with the revival of the United Boulevard upgrade project by translink and once again resistance form New Westminster.

The upgrade of United Boulevard is going to be in all likelihood very important to the viability of this project. The area really does have traffic issues, but none that can't be solved, but are not solved because New Westminster refuses and investments into the road infrastructure in the area.

[officedweller]

Historic rail collection threatened by redevelopment

By Mario Bartel - New Westminster News Leader
Published: October 03, 2013 4:00 PM
Updated: October 03, 2013 4:28 PM

A collection of 23 vintage Canadian rail coaches as well as one infamous locomotive stored in a New Westminster warehouse is in danger of being broken up.

Rip Peterman, the president of the B.C. chapter of the National Railways Historical Society, said his group has until April to find a new home for the train cars that date from the 1940s to the 1960s, which have been lovingly restored in a back corner of a giant industrial warehouse next to the Braid SkyTrain station. The warehouse will be demolished by developer Bentall Kennedy to make way for Sapperton Green, a 38-acre mixed-use development including office buildings, retail and residential.

Peterman said many of the rail cars might end up in the United States. Some of the coaches may get dismantled by other collectors for parts.

"This is probably the biggest operable collection in Canada," said Peterman. "We would like to keep it."

But with the clock ticking the group, which is comprised of six active railway buffs plus volunteers who come and go as projects develop, faces some daunting obstacles.

Peterman said the space they've occupied in the warehouse for 28 years is unique because it affords them the room to store the coaches inside, safe from the crowbars and screwdrivers of metal thieves and unscrupulous collectors looking for notable components, as well as access to a main rail line from an unused dead-end spur.

The group finances its acquisitions by booking out the trains for private functions, tours and even movie shoots.

Peterman said efforts to move the collection, even in a pared-down state, to new locations in Coquitlam and Port Moody have fallen through because property in the Lower Mainland is "too valuable" to set aside a chunk large enough to park a long train.

"That's how all our dreams and aspirations get crushed," said Peterman, who noted the group's work to acquire and restore rail cars has pretty much ground to a halt since last September when they rolled out their restoration of the diesel-electric locomotive that was infamously at the head of the VIA Rail passenger train that collided with a freight train outside Hinton, Alberta in 1986, killing 23 people.

Peterman said a proposal by the group to straighten a section of the spur line and set aside a small back corner of Sapperton Green for a historical working museum that includes a covered workshop, a pit for undercarriage repairs and a viewing gallery for the public to see them at work as well as appreciate the collection has so far fallen on deaf ears.

...

A recent query by councillor Chuck Puchmayr following a presentation to city council by the developer on the progress of its public consultations about the Sapperton Green site has given them renewed hope.

...

Peterman said any glimmer of hope is welcome. "We need a champion at the level that can make it happen. As soon as you accept your fate it's self-fulfilling."

http://www.tricitynews.com/news/226385461.html

[huenthar]

Originally Posted by queetz@home

That's true, and I would have gone for the Brewery myself. But one of the pet peeves that people have with Translink Executives is they don't really experience the inadequacy of our transportation network, hence don't really have the drive to truly improve underserved areas.

So if they were located in an area where traffic is an issue, then people would feel that they would be more motivated to find solutions, regardless of funding constraints. Personally, I would have moved Translink to South of Fraser that is not along the Skytrain line, just to show people that "I feel your pain, hence we really want to find solutions for you".

It certainly gives an agency that is already such a favourite whipping boy by a lot of people even more reason to be annoyed at. If traffic was not the issue, it shouldn't have been mentioned at all in a news article.

man, backwards BC politics to a T.

Is it "they are showing their commitment to regional goals of increasing transit use and locating jobs along rapid transit corridors by locating their own offices in a currently underutilized community center next to a rapid transit station thereby directly promoting transit use and more viable, high density, mixed use communities and responsible urban redevelopment"?

No, that would be way too kind and generous. Instead it's "I feel that they don't have it bad like me, so we should make it bad for them too just for the principle of it, real world considerations be damned". TransLink shouldn't be praised for trying to contribute to a solution - they should be made to suffer the problem. Cause assigning blame is wayyy more important than fixing things.



(I know it's not your opinion queetz, more like the general public opinion you're referring to here)

[officedweller]

From the Royal City Record:

New Westminster awaits Sapperton Green development
Theresa McManus / Royal City Record
November 22, 2013 02:58 PM

New Westminster wants to make sure the city doesn’t miss out on employment-generating opportunities at Sapperton Green.

Bentall Kennedy has applied to the city to amend the official community plan to allow for a mixed-use, transit-oriented master planned community at the corner of Braid Street and Brunette Avenue. The 38-acre site is located around the Braid Street SkyTrain station, and is next to Hume Park and Brunette Creek.

Retail, residential and commercial office uses are proposed at Sapperton Green, a site that was once home to the B.C. Distilleries and then the Woodward’s warehouse.

The proponent is holding an open house about its plans for the site on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall, 318 Keary St. More information about the proposal is available at www.sappertongreen.com.

Coun. Bill Harper stressed the need for employment opportunities on the site. Based on drawings in a staff report, he expressed concern that it appears two-thirds of the site would have residential uses.

...

Coun. Lorrie Williams believes the site presents a unique opportunity to consider a community centre for the Sapperton neighbourhood.

Bentall Kennedy is offering real estate services for the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, which owns the Sapperton Green site.

...

Astles said the goal is to build a vibrant mixed-use community on the transit line. He said the consultation process that’s been done to date has garnered support for a mixed-used development that includes multifamily dwellings, office space, retail and other uses.

As part of the project, Bentall Kennedy is proposing the creation of a new intersection under SkyTrain and improved signal coordination be made to traffic lights in the area. The plan would also include improved connections from the site to Hume Park and Brunette Creek.

In addition to making the most of the site’s proximity to Hume Park and Brunette Creek, Astles said there’s an opportunity to improve connections to the SkyTrain station, by bringing residents to the station through an area that’s animated with cafes and other services, rather than along the busy Braid Street.

On Nov. 4, council received a preliminary report about the application, which will now go to committees.

- See more at: http://www.royalcityrecord.com/news/....OCVHTCYo.dpuf

[AverageJoe]

I wonder if the Sapperton Green project is toast. There are talks now for the warehouse next to Braid Station to be a new warehouse for Amazon as their existing facility is insufficient.

[LeftCoaster]

Maybe I'm missing something, but why would industrial development near Braid preclude Sapperton Green?

This is a multi-year, likely multi-cycle development. It will take time.

[officedweller]

The warehouse occupies most of the Bentall Kennedy site -
Just a couple of blocks fronting Braid would be available - primarily for office development.
Most of the residential sites lie in the warehouse area.


http://www.sappertongreen.com/

JLousa posted this in the Suburban thread in Sept 2014:

Originally Posted by jlousa

Looks of goodies in the following document from the latest open house for Sapperton Green (located at Braid Station )
Touches on Lougheed and Gilmore as well for those interested on what's planned there.
Don't have time to do my usual info extraction for you guys, hope one of the other members can take the lead. Thanks.

http://www.sappertongreen.com/wp-con...lettersize.pdf

and by Maddog22:

Originally Posted by madog222

Update on Sapperton Green, currently the warehouse and empty lots beside Braid Skytrain Station.

...





http://www.newwestnewsleader.com/news/264770131.html

[LeftCoaster]

Ok so it looks like they would be able to start initial phases, and keep revenue at the warehouse until later phases necessitates demolition?

[officedweller]

Yeah, office use would likely be compatible with the existing warehouse use, but the site to the west marked residential may have to wait, as residents probably wouldn't like trucks rumbling down their street all the time (although the plan appears to show a new access road under the Brunette overpass).

If Amazon does move in under a long term lease, there may be a long pause in development (not necessarily a bad thing).