Surrey/South Fraser Updates

[xd_1771]

http://www.metro604.com/2009/06/19/newton-town-centre-draft-plan-unveiled-its-spectacular/

Actually, the plans did account for the railway.

[GMasterAres]

http://www.metro604.com/2009/06/19/newton-town-centre-draft-plan-unveiled-its-spectacular/

Actually, the plans did account for the railway.

I know it did, but the rail is still a pain in the behind. If you notice (and in the more detailed plan) all the "development sites" next to the tracks are just giant white boxes unlike the others which are well hashed out.

For those they just say "midrise."

[Klazu]

South Surrey Tower Proposal Heads to Council in January

A public hearing on a residential towers proposal with arts amenities for South Surrey could take place as soon as Feb. 3, if the project passes first and second readings in January.

That’s the target date, according to Shawna Nickel, marketing director for Cotter Architects Inc., designer of the multi-purpose project proposed for co-developers the Reifel Cooke Group and the Surrey City Development Corporation.

The target date for first and second readings of the project is Jan. 13. If both readings are passed, the project would be able to proceed to public hearing on Feb. 3.

The two-tower proposal – which, in addition to around 328 residential units, would provide building shells for both a 350-seat theatre/performing arts centre and contemporary arts cafe and gallery – would be located at the corner of 152 Street and 19 Avenue.

http://www.vancouvermarket.ca/2013/12/19/south-surrey-tower-proposal-heads-to-council-in-january/

http://www.vancouvermarket.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/50708whiterockSemiahmoo_ProposedMixofUses_Large.jpg

[Spork]

That won't happen. The three towers there right now went through years of fighting in White Rock proper. I can only imagine what this will bring.

[paradigm4]

That won't happen. The three towers there right now went through years of fighting in White Rock proper. I can only imagine what this will bring.

What's even more bizarre is that this project is being developed by the City!

[GMasterAres]

Has a good chance I think. White Rock != Surrey even though you're only a few blocks away. Not to mention, even though there was fighting in White Rock for their buildings, they still got built. There is always opposition to building more, but South Surrey especially that area is in need of some densification and upgrades.

It will go through first-second reading np, we'll see what happens at public hearing which would be mid February. Not talking crazy tall towers if the drawing is accurate. Maybe 26-28 storey for the large building, 20 for the other?

[officedweller]

BisNow article with a render of Gateway Place "set to start in 2014" -
King George & 108th (Gateway Tower & station in background)

http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/vancouver/884-should-you-fear-surreys-office-vacancy/

http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/59768_1392411034_gateway.jpg
http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/vancouver/884-should-you-fear-surreys-office-vacancy/

[go_leafs_go02]

BisNow article with a render of Gateway Place "set to start in 2014" -
King George & 108th (Gateway Tower & station in background)

http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/vancouver/884-should-you-fear-surreys-office-vacancy/

http://e13c7623ea07ffe9c5c6-e19f06f73efdb5028989d1916204cd71.r73.cf2.rackcdn.com/59768_1392411034_gateway.jpg
http://www.bisnow.com/commercial-real-estate/vancouver/884-should-you-fear-surreys-office-vacancy/

Here's the information: http://developers.surrey.ca/AMANDA5/eNtraprise/DInquiry/index_fromgis.jsp?ProjectNumber=14-0012

[officedweller]

Nice, thanks.

[vansky]

http://www.vancouvermarket.ca/2013/12/19/south-surrey-tower-proposal-heads-to-council-in-january/

http://www.vancouvermarket.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/50708whiterockSemiahmoo_ProposedMixofUses_Large.jpg

this one looks like something u'd find in miami's downtown...with a vancouver style light house on the top, plant some palm trees and there you go.

[tybuilding]

Which development is this one?

WYND CONDOS IS COMING SOON TO SURREY CITY CENTRE

http://wyndliving.com/

[GlassCity]

Which development is this one?

WYND CONDOS IS COMING SOON TO SURREY CITY CENTRE

http://wyndliving.com/

I can't remember which one, but I think it's been brought up here already. It's just been renamed to Wynd.

[CoryHolmes]

Which development is this one?

WYND CONDOS IS COMING SOON TO SURREY CITY CENTRE

http://wyndliving.com/

It's generally assumed to be the 2nd building in the Wave project. Same sales centre, just being redone on the inside.

Now, speaking of that part of town, just to the East of the Wave development and passed the new wooden shelter there is a new building going up. No excavation for a basement, so I'm assuming it's a sales centre of some sort, but I dunno :shrug:

[GMasterAres]

I could be wrong but i think that will be the sales center for the new ultra tower (to be named) going up beside ultra.

[Whalleyboy]

okay so I did some searching. I can now say 100% the second tower next to wave is being named wynd.

[Whalleyboy]

I could be wrong but i think that will be the sales center for the new ultra tower (to be named) going up beside ultra.

I'm pretty sure its being called west village

[GMasterAres]

Really? Seems like a silly name. West of what? I guess it is west of KGB. But in the scheme of urban village isnt it more like north? *shrug*

[officedweller]

Roof trusses for the Guildford Aquatic Center put into place:

April 23, 2014

Truss Lift

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/59963/100.jpg
ISAAC EPP/STRUCTURECRAFT

The Guildford Aquatic Centre is taking shape in Surrey, B.C. Crews lowered a 95 foot long truss into place recently.

The truss included mechanical ducts, sprinklers, acoustical insulation and uplighting.

StructureCraft was in charge of the lifts and Gwil was the crane company.

Heatherbrae is the general contractor for the Bing Thom designed addition to the Guildford Recreation Centre.

http://www.journalofcommerce.com/images/archivesid/59963/trusslift2.jpg
ISAAC EPP/STRUCTURECRAFT



http://www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id59963/--truss-lift

[Whalleyboy]

So I'm to lazy to put up to many photos right now but a new development at the corner of 156 and 104ave is going up. It will be a strip mall type development with what looks like will be a save on foods as its main anchor store. here is a few photos though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/retail01_zps18d316be.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/whalley_boy/media/retail01_zps18d316be.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/retail02_zps942775e6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/whalley_boy/media/retail02_zps942775e6.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/retail03_zps1c07347d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/whalley_boy/media/retail03_zps1c07347d.jpg.html)

[Millennium2002]

I hate to say it, but Surrey occasionally gives me this feeling of "dream vs reality". And this development - among the many others like it - just reinforces that thought.

[WarrenC12]

This development reminds me of a generic US suburban mall.

[memememe76]

Of course, it's generic. It'll probably be exactly the same as the strip mall in Newton and & 72 (with the Save On). At least, I hope, because it could be so much worse. Please don't be like the new strip mall in Cloverdale or the one on Scott with Future Shop and Canadian Tire.

Nontheless, disappointing. Especially given the larger parking lot in the mall (although, I am looking forward to the newly renovated library/rec centre). If the Surrey really wants to develop 104, I wished they focused more on 152 to 154 (esp. that ugly lot with that liquidation store).

[logicbomb]

Good god. Such a big parcel of land, and they do that?! They couldn't have tried to replicate a Morgan Crossing -like development? What a missed opportunity, especially since you have several bus routes that serve that area (326, 335, 337, 501/509/590, and possibly the 555 one day)!

Surrey continues to disappoint.

[idunno]

That strip mall is crap - no different than so many others in Surrey. Maybe I don't know much about this development, but it seems like they're certainly not trying very hard, planning wise.

[GMasterAres]

Well first point of clarification, the city doesn't propose developments. Developers propose developments. And if something is designated for a certain type of development, they are within their rights to do so.

Second point of clarification, Surrey isn't going to be 100% urban in 2 seconds flat. This is highway commercial right next to HWY1. The densification is happening in Surrey Central about 5km away from this location, and the closest area where a dense design is being pushed is directly around Guildford. This neighborhood is single family homes and the connector under the HWY leads to more single family homes. It's not a dense neighborhood.

Third point, while I can agree with the concept that I'd love to see more dense and urban like developments being proposed by anyone in Surrey, comparing it to Morgan Crossing is about as far a stretch as one can do. With a form handle like "logicbomb" I'd expect a bit more logic here.

http://www.jhausner.com/Surrey/MorganGuildford.png

Firstly see the map I'm providing comparing Morgan Crossing to the subject site for this strip mall. You'll notice it is TINY. Basically the land size represents just the Home Depot in Morgan Crossing.

Secondly, there seems to be an issue with surface parking. Again look at Morgan Crossing. On the same illustration all the areas circled in red are surface parking. There's something like 3 times the surface parking in Morgan Crossing than the entire subject site for this strip mall.

Finally, where the heck are people supposed to park? It is a strip mall. The expense of putting all underground parking for such a small parcel of land not far from a huge existing mall, is probably quite unrealistic. If this proposal were in Surrey Central or right next to Guildford, then I'd absolutely agree with the sentiments.

Furthermore if it was along 104th between Guildford and Surrey Central I'd also probably have more issue with it given how the Superstore was constructed for example to create a pseudo underground parking and reduce to near 0 the surface parking.

But this is highway commercial next to a highway and cars drive on highways and it is next to low density housing in a neighborhood not slated for densification.

Absolutely agree with Warren and mememe on the stance that it is simply a generic strip mall. It is.

But for the comment "Surrey continues to disappoint" I just have to shake my head at the logic leading to such a conclusion. *sigh*

Unfortunately I think we're again seeing people that have no idea the areas they are looking at, having opinions on them. Kind of like if I were to comment on a development in Kamloops and say it sucks because there are no highrises but not realizing it is 10km along the hwy in the middle of nowhere. Context people. Vancouver builds the same way or else you wouldn't have the Home Depot, Walmart, Price Smart, etc. on Grandview near Boundary Road. Same development style, not near a city core/urban area. Same thing with Cloverdale. It's a suburban area with single family homes everywhere 15km away from the urban center.

Need a bit of contextual realism and comment on the development itself not the city because all the cities, even Vancouver builds strip mall projects in various parts.

[GMasterAres]

The above said, regarding the project, I like the fact that unlike many of the strip-malls in Surrey, they are (much like Clayton Heights) designing the mall with road facing buildings keeping the parking lots to the center. To me it makes things far more walkable as again is the case in Clayton and a few of the newer malls in Fleetwood.

What I am a bit iffy on is the integration for the 555 express bus as this development was originally the one to go along with the 555 express stop. There is mention that that would also be done in conjunction with a new park & ride next to this mall but I haven't seen any plans for such.

Either way the site is just trees and has been for about 50 years so to get some more development in the area is to me, a good thing especially in this corner. There is a lot of single family housing in the area especially South of 104th and for grocery shopping the closest locations are the T&T on 152nd and Super Store way over near 148th. I'm sure people in the neighborhood will welcome a Save On foods reducing their need to drive somewhere just to get a jug of milk.

[Whalleyboy]

Well one thing about this development and its top surface parking is not planned to stay. They are going with the small building as a way to build it out now and sell it all right away. In the future they plan to have the top lair parking turn into a high street as all the low level store will be taken down and replace with multiple use aka retail base with residential on top.

[memememe76]

There is a lot of single family housing in the area especially South of 104th and for grocery shopping the closest locations are the T&T on 152nd and Super Store way over near 148th. I'm sure people in the neighborhood will welcome a Save On Foods reducing their need to drive somewhere just to get a jug of milk.

It's not so bad. There are also an H-Mart and the SuperWalmart. I suppose having a Save-On (and probably a Shoppers--there is always Shoppers in a new Surrey strip mall) near me will be nice, but I never frequent that part of Guildford.

I'll be more interested if there will be any interesting food establishments. Probably yet another Starbucks and/or Tim Horton's, though.

[tybuilding]

It's not so bad. There are also an H-Mart and the SuperWalmart. I suppose having a Save-On (and probably a Shoppers--there is always Shoppers in a new Surrey strip mall) near me will be nice, but I never frequent that part of Guildford.

I'll be more interested if there will be any interesting food establishments. Probably yet another Starbucks and/or Tim Horton's, though.

The trouble is the city is not demanding mixed use more. It needs to zone for mixed use along all of the frequent transit corridors that have undeveloped land that can be suited well to get people on transit. Even in Kamloops on the edge of town there is a good mixed use development.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZGM3h0EJJYc/U_13spctmXI/AAAAAAAAv2g/HLwzGFBO6NA/w737-h553-no/IMG_20140824_142136%5B1%5D.jpg

[GMasterAres]

And this is why yiu would make a bad developer. Mixed use is expensive and drives up costs to developers and ultimately those building mixed use also requires the mixed to be used or else it is just empty space.

No city can "demand" mixed use everywhere and expect to keep attracting developers. And Surrey has developed loads of mixed use. Many condo buildings in Guildford have retail at the base. Almost all new major projects in Surrey Central have been mixed use. Even in areas like Clayton and South Surrey there are plenty of mixed use being built.

Btw a highrise with ground level retail qualifies as mixed use so Surrey has a lot of those already. In Surrey central alone, park place, the new building by the hospital (mixed doesnt require residential btw), 3 civic, gruv, quatro, next phase of ultra, university district, second phase king george station, list goes on.

There is also single use like every other city.

Vancouver builds plenty of single use too. Half of yaletown for example are single use highrises with no retail fronting the street. Most of the West end is the same.

As for demanding it on major transit corridors, that part of Guildford is not a major transit corridor. Not yet and not to the point a developer could afford mixed use at this stage.

I think your expectations and level of judging success are unrealistic.

[Whalleyboy]

okay just to clarify to everyone once again they are planing for mixed use in the future.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/whalley_boy/des_zpscc6b7cc4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/whalley_boy/media/des_zpscc6b7cc4.jpg.html)

[memememe76]

Other than Charlton Park, what are the other condo buildings in Guildford with retail at the base? After 7 years or so, Charlton Park is still not fully leased out. More office buildings are being built behind the Starbucks on 152. And the nightclub appears to be converted to a more eating-type establish, with outdoor patio.

Is there a similar type of development with the initial *intention* of evolving from standard stripmall to mixed use? I'm surprised big business like Save-On and Shoppers would want to get involved in the many years of construction, esp. after what Save-On is experiencing with Station Square.

[GMasterAres]

Other than Charlton Park, what are the other condo buildings in Guildford with retail at the base? After 7 years or so, Charlton Park is still not fully leased out. More office buildings are being built behind the Starbucks on 152. And the nightclub appears to be converted to a more eating-type establish, with outdoor patio.

Unfortunately other than Charlton Park there haven't been many other condo buildings built in the area. Most of the condo buildings seem to be going up around Fleetwood lately (and those don't have mixed use but that isn't surprising since there is absolutely _0_ demand for it given the area).

You are still making my point about development requirements in saying that Charlton Park, which has been largely around since 2006 so nearing 8 years now, still is not fully leased out.

Demand.

Take Park Avenue in Surrey Central. The buildings are nearly 3 years old and still have leased out 2 units total out of all the retail (12 units). Starbucks and Fresh Slice. These retail units are at the foot of over 900 units of retail next to a major SkyTrain station.

There is this notion that "just build mixed use!!!" and it magically makes a neighborhood. You need businesses to MOVE IN to the mixed use thus my point about mixed use has to actually "use"d. Developers don't typically build for 30 years down the road when demand is there. They build for the now.

Construct a building, sell it out, make money, move onto the next. They aren't community builders regardless of what some developers will put in the marketing videos and if mixed use was a requirement in any city even Vancouver, you'd lose half or more of the developers to other cities in an instant. Mixed use that stays empty for a long time also can be a huge negative to an area and stunt growth because it scares retailers away.

"Why is all this 'prime' space we are being sold on empty after 3/8 years? Clearly there is something wrong!"

As Whalleyboy pointed out above, for this specific project mixed use is in the plan in the future when demand is there. They deem that right now there is no demand and jumping up and down about requiring mixed use won't change demand as much as we want it to.


Is there a similar type of development with the initial *intention* of evolving from standard stripmall to mixed use? I'm surprised big business like Save-On and Shoppers would want to get involved in the many years of construction, esp. after what Save-On is experiencing with Station Square.

In Newton the Save-On mall that was constructed near 72nd was designed the same way. They started out with a Shoppers + Save-On-Foods. Once demand increased they constructed (and just completed) an office building in the corner along 137th. And I'm pretty sure they have the ability to underground some of the surface parking for an additional building if need be.

Again that would qualify as mixed use for the project even though there is no residential component. Mixed use is just that, mixed use. Retail != Office so having both in a project makes it mixed use and for the purposes of a neighborhood, brings different jobs to the area. That area of Newton already has plenty of residential opportunities and it is technically the edge of what is going to be the new Newton town center.

I still just think to expect mixed use everywhere in Surrey is crazy given its size, its varying communities, and the fact no other city does this anywhere so why should Surrey be the only one expected to.

There were 4 new projects along Cambie alone for example in Vancouver that were just residential. That's it. No retail, no nothing else, just townhouses. That's just one road. And I didn't see anyone beat up Vancouver for building the Canadian Tires/Best Buy at the foot of the Cambie Bridge. That isn't mixed use and is not only prime real-estate land but smack next to 2 separate projects that were built mixed use.

To me where it counts mixed use is being built. As I pointed out in Surrey Central, the majority of major projects are mixed use. Yes there are some that aren't on the edge, a few condo buildings, a few townhouse complexes with no retail. But that happens everywhere and demand needs to be there.

The OCP for Newton calls for nothing but mixed use in the center. Clayton has build mixed use condo buildings (again not all). South Surrey the same thing.

[Whalleyboy]

honestly I think the only mixed used building that actually filled in pretty quick was city point by gateway.

Quattro is built on the outer edge of the city centre. Its retail parts have been sitting empty for a very long time. That is why when the second mixed use part got built it was change from basic retail part to a live in work space to try and push it a little more. Which doesn't look like its worked either.

[officedweller]

Guildford Aquatic Centre at Bing Thom website:

http://www.bingthomarchitects.com/project/guildford-aquatic-centre/

[dharper]

Does anyone know what is up with building a new Superstore, in South Surrey, across from the Walmart? I thought they started on it a year or more ago. But the lot is still some piles of soil, and a couple of excavators parked there.

[GMasterAres]

Update to the mall development in Guildford mentioned previously:

http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7913-0189-00.pdf

If you take a look you'll notice a few things:

1. They are anticipating future density increase to multi-use
2. In anticipation, they are building in underground parking in addition to the "temporary" surface parking lot
3. They are designing the buildings to front the streets vs the parking in the center to give a more Urban feel
4. They are building a new 105 AVE road in the back that will have 6 bus bays to become a mini-exchange of sort

So I don't think it is as bad as a few people thought with respect to being just another "suburban strip mall." As was mentioned previously, the site and area doesn't demand higher density mixed use but in the future it very-well may. They are anticipating that which is good + potential bus exchange which could (probably will) integrate the 555 and other cross-feeder buses.

[GMasterAres]

Does anyone know what is up with building a new Superstore, in South Surrey, across from the Walmart? I thought they started on it a year or more ago. But the lot is still some piles of soil, and a couple of excavators parked there.

No idea. It was proposed to be completed and open by 2015. Something must have happened to delay it. They have changed their proposal I think 4 or 5 times already. Different size stores, different design, changing size of the gas bar, etc. So they seem to be all over the map with this specific location.

Like I said though, the word and proposal that was approved (and is still approved) has it completed by 2015. We're nearing end of 2014 so that definitely won't be happening.

:shrug:

[whiteshadow]

No idea. It was proposed to be completed and open by 2015. Something must have happened to delay it. They have changed their proposal I think 4 or 5 times already. Different size stores, different design, changing size of the gas bar, etc. So they seem to be all over the map with this specific location.

Like I said though, the word and proposal that was approved (and is still approved) has it completed by 2015. We're nearing end of 2014 so that definitely won't be happening.

:shrug:

My guess is that they are just watching the market, waiting for more residential to take hold in South Surrey before proceeding. I don't think the area is built-up enough yet for a Superstore; although I think the area in general has TOO MUCH development now without proper transportation infrastructure (roads/overpasses over Hwy99 and buses).

[GlassCity]

Update to the mall development in Guildford mentioned previously:

http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7913-0189-00.pdf

If you take a look you'll notice a few things:

1. They are anticipating future density increase to multi-use
2. In anticipation, they are building in underground parking in addition to the "temporary" surface parking lot
3. They are designing the buildings to front the streets vs the parking in the center to give a more Urban feel
4. They are building a new 105 AVE road in the back that will have 6 bus bays to become a mini-exchange of sort

So I don't think it is as bad as a few people thought with respect to being just another "suburban strip mall." As was mentioned previously, the site and area doesn't demand higher density mixed use but in the future it very-well may. They are anticipating that which is good + potential bus exchange which could (probably will) integrate the 555 and other cross-feeder buses.

Wait, I'm confused. Are they planning on demolishing the north mall and replacing it with this?

[officedweller]

If you enlarge the maps, you'll see that the intersection is 156th and 104th.
(i.e. not at Guildford Town Centre)

[GlassCity]

Oh, thank you!

[officedweller]

Guildford Aquatic Centre update - from last month:

http://www.bingthomarchitects.com/guildford-aquatic-centre-addition/

[red-paladin]

Nice!

[AudiA3]

Gonna be so smelly:yuck:

[Metro-One]

Why??

That looks pretty cool!

[Alex Mackinnon]

Gonna be so smelly:yuck:

Oh hush, not everything can reek of elitism.

I for one love the smell of warm moist chlorine air. Very nostalgic. :haha:

[AudiA3]

Yes. Very moist, indeed.

[Whalleyboy]

So I haven't seen anything proving this is true but I've heard a couple rumours though. Its about the old dell shopping centre on king george.

So since the old iga market cleared out on 108ave and 148 buylow has came in. But what else I've heard is also the value village and bowling lanes will be joining it up at this new area. Also the old medical office that was torn down will also be getting replace by a full sized shoppers.

Again these are rumours I've heard. But if this is true we can look forward to seeing another big development site open up in central.

[SpongeG]

Weir Canada plans Surrey plant

Engineering firm Weir Canada Inc. will build a 114,000-square-foot service and manufacturing facility on 5.8 acres in Surrey’s Campbell Heights North

http://www.biv.com/media/filer_public_thumbnails/filer_public/fa/b9/fab9915c-cf10-4fd0-90cd-8f104b577d4e/weir_surrey_plant.jpg__0x400_q95_autocrop_crop-smart_subsampling-2_upscale.jpg

http://www.biv.com/article/2014/11/weir-canada-plans-surrey-plant/

[officedweller]

Article on that vacant building on 104th Ave:

http://www.biv.com/article/2014/11/prime-surrey-commercial-property-sits-empty-16-yea/

[Whalleyboy]

nothing to exciting
http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7914-0214-00.pdf

But looks like burger king by london drugs is gonna have a major overhaul. The are cutting down their floor space and making room for another tenant in the building. It will ad a nicer looking fronting along king george. To bad its beside the solid walls of both safeway and save on.

I'm gonna miss the old stone wall from there.

[GMasterAres]

These types of projects are great because even though it isn't a new tower or major city center project, the purpose is to part upgrade that outdated Burger King but also in part to facilitate the improved city center street grid.

You'll note the provisions for 103 Avenue which has already been started with the street light and left turn behind Safeway towards 3 Civic. This is going to allow them to continue 103 to Whalley Boulevard and then turn it into an actual cross street like 102 is allowing better traffic and bus flow. May even encourage development at the corner of Whalley Boulevard and 104th finally.

[osirisboy]

Article on that vacant building on 104th Ave:

http://www.biv.com/article/2014/11/prime-surrey-commercial-property-sits-empty-16-yea/

What an idiot. What is a lawyer from Arizona even buying property in Surrey for? How random is that. Because he doesn't want to have more than one tenant its sat empty since 2001. This does not make sense to me

[Pinion]

What an idiot. What is a lawyer from Arizona even buying property in Surrey for? How random is that. Because he doesn't want to have more than one tenant its sat empty since 2001. This does not make sense to me

In places like Arizona it's normal to have huge strip malls etc. with nothing in them, surrounded by nothing. He might not realize it's a faux pas in Vancouver.

[officedweller]

From the Vancouver Sinclair Centre application:

Development Inquiry from Public Works and Government Services Canada: In 2014 Public Works and
Government Services Canada (PWGSC) shared with City staff a ‘letter of enquiry’ outlining a
proposed revitalization project for the buildings. They envisage that Sinclair Centre would be one
of two Canadian Government office ‘hubs’ in the Lower Mainland (the other in Surrey City Centre)
with the addition of more office space to consolidate their holdings across the downtown.

http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20150513/documents/cfsc3.pdf

Would that be the Revenue Canada Building on King George? or RCMP E Division? Or a new building?

[Millennium2002]

There's technically a hub (albiet spread out) of federal government buildings already at or near Surrey City Centre...

tax office
passport office
RCMP headquarters
citizenship and immigration offices


They could always add more though, and I'm probably missing a few other departments that may have existing offices in Surrey.

[Whalleyboy]

Another development close by the hospital. Looks like the trailer park by the high school is finally going to be gone

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

[Sheba]

Two 6 floor buildings (that may or may not be seniors and / or rental housing) and "one stepped 12-storey, mixed-use, seniors assisted living, complex care and office building". Plus they're going to push 95 Ave through to King George (it currently ends in the driveway to the trailer park).

I heard that Surrey is waiting on development for road upgrades (so the developers pay for it instead of the city) - while this is small and to be expected, I hope the city starts on some of the bigger road work that needs to be done.

[sryboy]

Another development close by the hospital. Looks like the trailer park by the high school is finally going to be gone

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

Nice! Now only if someone could develop the Tim Horten's property at 96 & KGB. :yes:

[officedweller]

New event arena for Scott Road area?
(not just the rec centre replacements)

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2015/06/14/surrey-eyes-new-sports-arena

[sryboy]

New event arena for Scott Road area?
(not just the rec centre replacements)

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2015/06/14/surrey-eyes-new-sports-arena

Finally!! Hopefully we'll get a WHL team :) Giants?:cheers:

[Whalleyboy]

Even bring back a ECHL team to BC would be pretty good. I feel ECHL would do better in the lower mainland then it did in victoria

[GMasterAres]

Finally!! Hopefully we'll get a WHL team :) Giants?:cheers:

The Giants would be pretty awesome. I think the location would be better than where they are at right now. Their training facility is SoF and they do get a lot of fans coming from out in the burbs. Being on a SkyTrain line would make getting to the arena easier than the old PC.

I'd be fine with ECHL anyway.

Who knows what will happen.

[Whalleyboy]

So looks like they have removed the whalley from surrey. It is now just known as North Surrey

I was look up here
http://www.tourismsurrey.com/plan-your-trip/facts-sheet/

General

Surrey owes its name to English geography. New Westminster municipal clerk H.J. Brewer looked across the Fraser River in 1879 and saw a land that reminded him of his hometown in Surrey, England. Since Surrey, England is located just across the River Thames from Westminster, England, H.J. Brewer decided that the city located opposite New Westminster, BC on the Fraser River would be called Surrey, BC.

Surrey is seven years older than Vancouver and was incorporated in 1879.
Surrey is currently the second largest city in BC based on population with over 460,000 people and the largest city in BC based on land area of 317 square km
Surrey is in close proximity to five major highways, four railways, deep-sea docking facilities and an international airport.
The SkyTrain rapid transit line means Vancouver is less than 35 minutes away via public transit.
Surrey comprises six town centres: Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, North Surrey (Previously City Centre and Whalley), and South Surrey.
Surrey is the only community in BC with two International Border Crossings – Peace Arch Crossing & Pacific Truck Crossing. The Canada/U.S. border puts City Centre businesses within easy access of local, national and world markets.
Surrey boasts over 6,000 acres of passive and active parkland and green space and over 210 km (130 mi) of signed cycling routes. 35% of the land is designated agricultural and is still being farmed today
The Peace Arch at Peace Arch Provincial Park was the first world’s first Peace Arch and was completed in 1921. It was built to celebrate 100 years of peace between Canada and the U.S.A. The arch was built by workmen from both sides, who laboured to complete a monument that would last forever. The arch, facing north and south, half in each country, is built along classic Greek-Doric design and rises to a height of 67 feet.
Surrey currently has 73 listings on the Canada’s Historic Places Registry where new historical places are added regularly.

even looking at the city site say north surrey now(look on right bar city centre whalley si gone)
http://www.surrey.ca/community/6798.aspx

[GlassCity]

So when are they renaming Newton then? Its reputation isn't any better than Whalley's recently.

[TourOdeon]

Thats actually quite a snart move to disassociate the name from past stigma

[GMasterAres]

So when are they renaming Newton then? Its reputation isn't any better than Whalley's recently.

That's fine. They aren't trying to get high-rise development in Newton. You can build single family houses and town houses until the cows come home in bad neighborhoods. And let's face it a large portion of Newton is made up of the Indo-Canadian community and it's largely their own community members doing all the shooting around town.

But combining Whalley and Surrey Central and just naming it North Surrey makes sense. It was always confusing that Surrey Central was in Whalley but Whalley was a bit more than just Surrey Central. North Surrey really does define and area a bit better. Those of us that have been around though will I'm sure continue to call it Whalley for years to come.

[GlassCity]

That's fine. They aren't trying to get high-rise development in Newton. You can build single family houses and town houses until the cows come home in bad neighborhoods. And let's face it a large portion of Newton is made up of the Indo-Canadian community and it's largely their own community members doing all the shooting around town.

But combining Whalley and Surrey Central and just naming it North Surrey makes sense. It was always confusing that Surrey Central was in Whalley but Whalley was a bit more than just Surrey Central. North Surrey really does define and area a bit better. Those of us that have been around though will I'm sure continue to call it Whalley for years to come.

I really have no connection to Surrey so I always thought Whalley and Surrey Central were synonymous. I think this name change might make it harder to establish the large regional city centre they're hoping to do however.

[CoryHolmes]

I happily refer to my area as Central City. I'm glad that Whalley is going away, though. A re-branding will be a big boost.

[Sheba]

A history lesson from Wiki
As early as the 1880s, people began settling what is now present-day Whalley.

The municipal council in 1908 requested a grant to construct a roadway from Fraser Bridge to present-day 108 Avenue. This provided a much safer path to the river compared to the steep, winding Old Yale Road, and the new road later became part of the King George Highway.

In 1925, Arthur Whalley moved his family from Cloverdale to a three-acre triangle of land at the future intersection of Ferguson Road (108 Avenue), Grosvenor Road and the King George Highway. After clearing the land and spending their first winter in tents, they built a service station, which included a general store, soft drink stand, and tourist cabins.

The community officially adopted the name of Whalley in 1948, after the board of trade held a contest to rename what had become known as "Whalley's Corner". "Binnieville" had also been recommended, in honour of Tom Binnie, a local real estate and insurance broker who had fostered Whalley's growth as a commercial centre.

In the mid-20th century, Whalley saw numerous debates regarding its secession from Surrey to become a separate city or municipality. In 1976, Metro Vancouver (then known as the GVRD) identified Whalley as one of four regional town centres, sparking off revitalization of the town centre. The City of Surrey adopted the "Whalley-Guildford Plan" in 1985, proposing high-density commercial development along 104 Avenue between the Whalley and Guildford areas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whalley,_British_Columbia

[Whalleyboy]

For some reason this just strikes me a little as I was born and raised in what I knew as Whalley. While I get what the city is trying to do the fact they just seem to have went out and did and have said nothing to the public seems a little off. It just seems to throw away the history of the area. Who knows maybe they will have some new development one day take the corner of 108 and call it Whalleys corner for name sake.

[paulsparrow]

Newton = South Central Surrey. Because technically it is Central Surrey not Whalley.

[GMasterAres]

That's true in the sense that "Surrey Central" was never actually Central. I think they picked "Surrey Central" back in the day though partly due to the skytrain station and partly because they didn't want to (or could justify) call the main center "Downtown Surrey."

Even today it isn't designed like or has a feel like a true downtown. Much like Metrotown doesn't feel like a true downtown thus why they don't call it "Downtown Burnaby."

Anyway it is what it is and they can rename things as they wish. They did that with King George Highway errrr Boulevard and Whalley Ring Road err Whalley Boulevard... and...:shrug:

[Whalleyboy]

So looks like the odyssey tower 2 proposal coming back up.
http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0237-00.pdf

wonder if it will finally get made this time.

[officedweller]

So looks like the odyssey tower 2 proposal coming back up.
http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0237-00.pdf

wonder if it will finally get made this time.

Thanks!

Stark contrast between the two towers:

http://i.imgur.com/8LnJLan.png (http://imgur.com/8LnJLan)
http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0237-00.pdf

[CoryHolmes]

I find it endlessly amusing how you can tell the general vintage of a building from its exterior.

Has there been any movement on the signature tower planned for King George and 108? Wasn't it part of the Quattro development?

[urbancanadian]

Does anyone know anything about this project by Townline?

According to their website, in the "Coming Soon" section, they list a project tentatively called "Holland Park". Here's the discription:

A sophisticated collection of urban high-rise homes located in Surrey's new City Central neighbourhood, close to transit and the SFU Surrey Campus.

And with this map adjoining it:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5737/21908609224_09de5f3b76_b.jpg

Link: http://www.townline.ca/en/homes/new-homes/holland-park

[Sheba]

All I could find was this: http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/MIN_ADP_2015_03_26.pdf

[urbancanadian]

Thanks! So it's a 25-storey tower.
Address is 10158, 10170 and 10182 – 133 Street and Portion of 13333 Old Yale Road, City Centre.

----------

Also saw this in BIV. Anybody know where this might be?

‘Astonishing’ land prices skew Surrey real estate market
Frank O'Brien, Business in Vancouver

...

Sohi pointed to two recent sales as examples: a small mixed-use commercial and residential building on about a half-acre lot on Surrey’s 62 Avenue that just sold for $5.25 million; and a 10-acre development site in central Surrey that sold to Anthem Properties Ltd. for $63.2 million.

...Frank O'Brien, Business in Vancouver
https://www.biv.com/article/2015/10/astonishing-land-prices-skew-surrey-real-estate-ma/

[Cypherus]

All I could find was this: http://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/MIN_ADP_2015_03_26.pdf

Nice find. The minutes also indicate that the developer plans to re-develop the adjacent senior care center off of Old Yale.

[GMasterAres]

Yah sign has been posted on that site for a while now (last year I believe). It is currently a small parking lot and next to the senior building near the top of the hill just before 133rd.

As I always say when it comes to Surrey high-rise developments, I'll get more excited when I start to see them digging...

[Blease]

I'm surprised that no one has posted any news about this development yet. It's billed as a "monumental twin tower" and will be 20+ stories tall. Construction will be on a site in the northern end of Surrey City Centre. Here's more info:

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/328125051.html

[Cypherus]

I'm surprised that no one has posted any news about this development yet. It's billed as a "monumental twin tower" and will be 20+ stories tall. Construction will be on a site in the northern end of Surrey City Centre. Here's more info:

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/328125051.html

Nice find. This appears to be called "LEGION VETERANS VILLAGE". Honestly, it is hard to know anything about the concepts until some application or rendering is released as part of a proposal.

http://mg-architecture.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MGA_Legion-Veterans-Village_Full-Render-1152x625.jpg
Source: http://mg-architecture.ca

[officedweller]

Nice find!
Thanks!

[Whalleyboy]

Nice find. This appears to be called "LEGION VETERANS VILLAGE". Honestly, it is hard to know anything about the concepts until some application or rendering is released as part of a proposal.

http://mg-architecture.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MGA_Legion-Veterans-Village_Full-Render-1152x625.jpg
Source: http://mg-architecture.ca

if this building happens it will be one I think I'd really look forward to seeing when doen. I was kinda let down with the wave tower.

[Whalleyboy]

found another image of that here
http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/content/canada%E2%80%99s-first-veterans-village
http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/sites/default/files/MGA_Legion%20Veterans%20Village_Night%20Render_1.jpg?1443028145

[Jack Guevara]

found another image of that here
http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/content/canada%E2%80%99s-first-veterans-village
http://www.legionbcyukon.ca/sites/default/files/MGA_Legion%20Veterans%20Village_Night%20Render_1.jpg?1443028145

We can donate money through that link to support this project. I just donated. :notacrook:

[ninjakafi_81]

We can donate money through that link to support this project. I just donated. :notacrook:

As soon as I get my pay cheque from work, I'm gonna donate some money as well. I really like this building a lot already and really hope it gets built !

[trofirhen]

This is ahead of its time!! A real standard-setter!! Honor to The Legionnaires.

[Shift]

If this project goes through it will have a huge impact on the city centre. The land it sits on is in the wasteland between 104 and 108. This would kickstart redevelopment of that entire area between Surrey Central and Gateway. Condo's would be a hard sell here until something like this goes in. These have the potential to be very iconic towers if that design is kept.

http://i.imgur.com/BO0ex7O.png

[Pinion]

If this project goes through it will have a huge impact on the city centre. The land it sits on is in the wasteland between 104 and 108. This would kickstart redevelopment of that entire area between Surrey Central and Gateway. Condo's would be a hard sell in this area until something like this goes in. These have the potential to be very iconic towers if that design is kept.

It looks nice and it's better than a brownfield but it's veteran's/senior social housing. I have a new one near me, not as iconic, but definitely doesn't do anything positive for neighbourhood values. Hope they give them a discrete smoking pit.

[Jack Guevara]

If this project goes through it will have a huge impact on the city centre. The land it sits on is in the wasteland between 104 and 108. This would kickstart redevelopment of that entire area between Surrey Central and Gateway. Condo's would be a hard sell here until something like this goes in. These have the potential to be very iconic towers if that design is kept.

http://i.imgur.com/BO0ex7O.png

As a proud surrey resident, I hate to admit it, but you're right about the "wasteland" between 104th and 108. I don't like going there. The lighting is bad and the people are sketchy. There are no pedestrians because there are no stores or condos there! Although there is an awesome sushi restaurant, Fukuda Sushi.

The city is doing what they can to improve that area. They just put in a separated bike lane at 105A Ave. But this area needs so much more. Translink ought to build a lighted pathway under their tracks. People walk there but there is no lighting. The SCDC should come in and build an office tower to act as a catalyst for more development.

[CoryHolmes]

I just stopped in the Sears Outlet store on 104 and City Parkway, and they're closing forever. Final day is Dec 12, and after that they'll vacate the building.

I know it's too soon for Bosa to begin developing this parcel of land, given they still have commitments for the rest of University District, but it makes me giddy to think of what will come :)

[Sheba]

I just stopped in the Sears Outlet store on 104 and City Parkway, and they're closing forever. Final day is Dec 12, and after that they'll vacate the building.

I know it's too soon for Bosa to begin developing this parcel of land, given they still have commitments for the rest of University District, but it makes me giddy to think of what will come :)

I wouldn't get too excited about that building coming down. I remember living over there in the 1990's and it looked pretty much the same as it does now, other than a different sign (I know The Brick was in there for awhile). I don't know the vintage of the building, other than it wouldn't have been new then.

Sooo... I doubt it will come down anytime soon, esp with all the other towers coming in. Unless it's retail / office with no residential, Bosa is bound to just keep leasing it out until the time is better for them to build there.

[osirisboy]

Despite all the buildings going up that area of Surrey will be filled with parking lots a strip malls for many years to come. I was looking at Google earth and so much has unchanged from when I briefly lived there 10 years ago

[Sheba]

Despite all the buildings going up that area of Surrey will be filled with parking lots a strip malls for many years to come. I was looking at Google earth and so much has unchanged from when I briefly lived there 10 years ago

I've seen changes, although yes it will take a long time to transform the area. SFU taking over Surrey Place Mall (oops I mean Central City Shopping Centre) has made a big difference.

One of my little pet peeves for the area are the curved roads that could be straightened out, in particular Whalley Blvd between 105th and 103rd Ave. At least the plans to punch some of the east - west roads through will improve the road network.

[Jack Guevara]

Actually I know the city really wants to connect some roads. They've wanted to connect city parkway at 104th for a while now. We should expect that to happen soon.

[Sheba]

Actually I know the city really wants to connect some roads. They've wanted to connect city parkway at 104th for a while now. We should expect that to happen soon.

I knew this on here somewhere...
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7202828&postcount=562

[CurtisVerbatim]

Just drove down University drive today and noticed a new set of lights at 105a st. They also paved 105a st all the way to king george and added bike lanes separated by grey stamped concrete to look like bricks. first place i've seen anything like that