Surrey/South Fraser Updates

[Blease]

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

105A is a pretty dicey area, can't imagine too many hipster cycling enthusiasts taking advantage of it.

[Jack Guevara]

105A is a pretty dicey area, can't imagine too many hipster cycling enthusiasts taking advantage of it.

By 2017, 105A will be much different.

The reason 105A is "dicey" is because there is a 40 bed homeless shelter on 135A. However, it's moving in a couple of years! The city, the province, and the organization that runs it want to build a new one. But because of all the NIMBYs, they couldn't find a location. That problem has been fixed. In December 2014, the city found a new location by Surrey memorial hospital and approved it. Once funding is finalized, they'll build a new shelter and close the gateway one.

105A will be much better

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/focus/326350581.html

[Blease]

By 2017, 105A will be much different.

The reason 105A is "dicey" is because there is a 40 bed homeless shelter on 135A. However, it's moving in a couple of years! The city, the province, and the organization that runs it want to build a new one. But because of all the NIMBYs, they couldn't find a location. That problem has been fixed. In December 2014, the city found a new location by Surrey memorial hospital and approved it. Once funding is finalized, they'll build a new shelter and close the gateway one.

105A will be much better

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/focus/326350581.html

With all due sympathy to the homeless, when they're in the new location, I hope there's people in place to manage them, especially for the sake of the residents already living in the area.. The 105 Ave. vicinity is a little slice of the DTES in Surrey and the sooner it changes the better.

[Jack Guevara]

With all due sympathy to the homeless, when they're in the new location, I hope there's people in place to manage them, especially for the sake of the residents already living in the area.. The 105 Ave. vicinity is a little slice of the DTES in Surrey and the sooner it changes the better.

I'm under the impression that the shelter will be much better. It will be custom built for a homeless shelter. As opposed to the existing one, which are just old converted condos. I also heard something about the way the homeless spend the night. They will not have to leave every day so they can focus more on rebuilding their lives.

I believe this will be a good thing for the homeless AND for the are between Gateway and Surrey Central.

[CurtisVerbatim]

By 2017, 105A will be much different.

The reason 105A is "dicey" is because there is a 40 bed homeless shelter on 135A. However, it's moving in a couple of years! The city, the province, and the organization that runs it want to build a new one. But because of all the NIMBYs, they couldn't find a location. That problem has been fixed. In December 2014, the city found a new location by Surrey memorial hospital and approved it. Once funding is finalized, they'll build a new shelter and close the gateway one.

105A will be much better

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/focus/326350581.html

This is also the area where the new veterans centre will be located if built (I think)

[GMasterAres]

105A is a pretty dicey area, can't imagine too many hipster cycling enthusiasts taking advantage of it.

1 in 2 homeless people I see in Surrey Central ride bikes, some manage riding a bike holding stuff and pulling a shopping cart too. It's quite a feat. So I'm sure the bike lanes will be used just not by any hipsters...

[Blease]

1 in 2 homeless people I see in Surrey Central ride bikes, some manage riding a bike holding stuff and pulling a shopping cart too. It's quite a feat. So I'm sure the bike lanes will be used just not by any hipsters...

Funny thing is, in Vancouver bike riding is very much the preserve of the SWPL/BOBO types, in Surrey it's the homeless or elderly East Indian men. Great cultural divides between the two cities.

[clee7903]

The 105/a Ave corridor does need improvement. I really hope we'll see changes there by 2017. The main thing I've noticed before are the sex workers, sometimes 3 to 4 lining the same street. Nothing against them, but I want my neighborhood to be free of that.

[Jack Guevara]

Funny thing is, in Vancouver bike riding is very much the preserve of the SWPL/BOBO types, in Surrey it's the homeless or elderly East Indian men. Great cultural divides between the two cities.

That's a gross oversimplification. From my experience, bikers in Surrey are either commuters, teenagers, or homeless.

University Dr is popular for commuters. These people are SWPL type that usually work in Central city tower.

Teenagers hang out around the Chuck Bailey skate park. Many of them ride their bikes to do their tricks.

Homeless mostly along 135A St.

[Blease]

There was talk recently on this board about upgrading the Surrey Central Station, especially with regard to better connecting the station with Civic Plaza. So here's a fleshed out description of the plan (courtesy of The Province) and it looks like work will begin in Spring 2016, and completion will probably coincide nicely with opening of 3 Civic Plaza in early 2017.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/surrey+central+skytrain+station+modernizing+facelift/11591823/story.html

[koosh]

There was talk recently on this board about upgrading the Surrey Central Station, especially with regard to better connecting the station with Civic Plaza. So here's a fleshed out description of the plan (courtesy of The Province) and it looks like work will begin in Spring 2016, and completion will probably coincide nicely with opening of 3 Civic Plaza in early 2017.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/surrey+central+skytrain+station+modernizing+facelift/11591823/story.html

Great news for the area.

Thanks for the share!

[urbancanadian]

Here are a couple ongoing proposals for the Everall neighbourhood in White Rock (just west of the area with the tallest towers in WR).

The Oxford | 24 & 21 fl. | Elegant Development
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/23415522399_92f9196b05_o.jpg
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwixr5ev2t_JAhVJKGMKHb62AxUQFggiMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiterockcity.ca%2Fassets%2FCommittees%2FLand~Use~and~Planning%2F2015%2F2015-10-26%2520LU%26P%2520Agenda%2520FULL.doc.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG04d4S1i6RXZ1GQUv6GtC2SEoT-A&sig2=Egk8BvadX9bmxNjJs6DtRQ

Article on the above towers: http://www.peacearchnews.com/news/360983581.html
A bit more info from this facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/NoMoreHighRisesInWhiteRock/

1434 Oxford Street | 13 fl. | MPW/Newmark Projects
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/676/23415522529_0c66a67341_o.jpg
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwixr5ev2t_JAhVJKGMKHb62AxUQFggiMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiterockcity.ca%2Fassets%2FCommittees%2FLand~Use~and~Planning%2F2015%2F2015-10-26%2520LU%26P%2520Agenda%2520FULL.doc.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG04d4S1i6RXZ1GQUv6GtC2SEoT-A&sig2=Egk8BvadX9bmxNjJs6DtRQ

14825/35 Thrift Avenue | 13 fl. | Forge Properties
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/755/23701020041_0d8f167417_o.jpg
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwixr5ev2t_JAhVJKGMKHb62AxUQFggiMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiterockcity.ca%2Fassets%2FCommittees%2FLand~Use~and~Planning%2F2015%2F2015-10-26%2520LU%26P%2520Agenda%2520FULL.doc.pdf&usg=AFQjCNG04d4S1i6RXZ1GQUv6GtC2SEoT-A&sig2=Egk8BvadX9bmxNjJs6DtRQ

And Cressey's Beverley development is already under construction, but here's a render if anyone hasn't already seen:
http://www.cressey.com/images/made/images/uploads/projects/Beverley/beverly_2_5K_747_560.jpg
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiA7aSn5d_JAhURxWMKHb9aBfAQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cressey.com%2Fhomes%2Fbeverley&bvm=bv.110151844,d.cGc&psig=AFQjCNE3G7nt33l8ogyFjlanopc7nR9Qaw&ust=1450335057539637

Quick map I made to show the location of the towers:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5700/23757352466_2d84d45540_o.jpg

Red = The Oxford, Yellow = 1434 Oxford Street, Blue = 14825/35 Thrift Avenue, Green = Beverley
Also note: the large empty lot to the east was recently sold, according to Vancouver Market: http://www.vancouvermarket.ca/2015/12/15/sold-1484-martin-street-white-rock/

[Marshal]

Here are a couple ongoing proposals for the Everall neighbourhood in White Rock (just west of the area with the tallest towers in WR).


Well, that's a lot of action for one small area. The designs are better than the horrendous monster going up to the east, on the Surrey side where George Street meets North Bluff. There's at least one crane up for that one.

[GMasterAres]

Nice. Hopefully more towers in White Rock will ease off the fight against towers on the Surrey side. It's a nice area I'd love to see built up.

Going to be some great views in those buildings that's for sure.

[officedweller]

Thanks for the update!

[CoryHolmes]

I just walked by the Urban Village area and saw a sign on 133 and Old Yale for a new development by Townline, but I see nothing on their website. The green sign said a mixed use highrise.

Anyone know anything?

[Surreyite]

The Seagate towers on corner of university Boulevard and king George will (hopefully) start construction soon.. The company has just signed and returned a copy of service agreement to city...

[GMasterAres]

I just walked by the Urban Village area and saw a sign on 133 and Old Yale for a new development by Townline, but I see nothing on their website. The green sign said a mixed use highrise.

Anyone know anything?

Under review still:

https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=14&seq=0208

22 storey tower on the corner of 133 at Old Yale Road. It is basically next to the care facility as you go up the hill and the plot of land is a surface parking lot right now. Seems to be on hold right now and no movement on the site for information since end of 2014/early 2015. So who knows.

[CurtisVerbatim]

Hey all, construction on Whalley Blvd between 100th and Fraser has been going on for months already. does this construction have anything to do with District Energy? I found this after a little googling: https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0208-00.pdf
It's about time they do something about that site. I walk through there regularly and it's just an overgrown space that just collects trash. IMO they should connect the two pipes (one of which was installed in 1928) going under Fraser/Skytrain guideway and fill in the ditch so that they can build a park there

[GMasterAres]

Hey all, construction on Whalley Blvd between 100th and Fraser has been going on for months already. does this construction have anything to do with District Energy? I found this after a little googling: https://www.surrey.ca/bylawsandcouncillibrary/PLR_7915-0208-00.pdf
It's about time they do something about that site. I walk through there regularly and it's just an overgrown space that just collects trash. IMO they should connect the two pipes (one of which was installed in 1928) going under Fraser/Skytrain guideway and fill in the ditch so that they can build a park there

Yes it is for the district energy project. They are building the district energy building you see in the .pdf in the space between Fraser Highway and the SkyTrain line/foot pathway, and have ripped up the east portion of Whalley Boulevard to lay all the piping required.

Supposed to be completed by next month I believe.

[whalley13]

Looks like arena is on hold for scott road but ice rinks are still being built, has anyone heard anything about the arena negotiations? was really looking forward to this :(

[GMasterAres]

Looks like arena is on hold for scott road but ice rinks are still being built, has anyone heard anything about the arena negotiations? was really looking forward to this :(

It's pretty straight forward, Surrey doesn't want to become another Abbotsford and build an Arena on the taxpayer's dime that loses money and has to be supported by the taxpayer while the people using the facility don't hold up their own belt.

Unfortunately it is an issue in many cities across North America where teams and developers of Arenas or Stadiums for some reason now expect the public and public funds to pay 100% for their shiney new Arenas or Stadiums. Look at Phoenix and Seattle for examples. There was a time when if a sports team wanted an Arena, they built it on their own dime like Roger's Arena for example.

So while I am equally disappointed, I am 100% for Surrey pressing pause and not spending money they don't have and taking on all the risk. We don't _need_ a big Arena in Surrey at this stage, all we do need is to relocate the current North Surrey Arena ice sheets which will still be done and will start this year so that land can be redeveloped in Surrey Central.

[Katherine S]

I think it's just another one of those things where if the time isn't perfectly right, then there's too big a risk of an overall failure. It's also not just the developer not picking up the slack; if no one goes to the arena, even if any losses are covered by private owners, the surrounding area will not be redeveloped for some time (think of the area around the former Asian Centre on 104th). In my opinion, there has to be a significant amount of excitement from the public for a new arena be worthwhile.

[Pinion]

There was a time when if a sports team wanted an Arena, they built it on their own dime like Roger's Arena for example.

This isn't really true, Rogers Arena/GM Place was an anomaly even in the mid 90s and it cost Arthur Griffiths control of the team. Teams using threats to get a city to build an arena has been going on since pro sports became big business many decades ago.

[GMasterAres]

I think it's just another one of those things where if the time isn't perfectly right, then there's too big a risk of an overall failure. It's also not just the developer not picking up the slack; if no one goes to the arena, even if any losses are covered by private owners, the surrounding area will not be redeveloped for some time (think of the area around the former Asian Centre on 104th). In my opinion, there has to be a significant amount of excitement from the public for a new arena be worthwhile.

For sure good point.

[GMasterAres]

This isn't really true, Rogers Arena/GM Place was an anomaly even in the mid 90s and it cost Arthur Griffiths control of the team. Teams using threats to get a city to build an arena has been going on since pro sports became big business many decades ago.

If you look just at the NHL, only 1 arena was (is being) built by public funds in Canada, Rogers Place in Edmonton and even then only $200 million of the $480 million building price was public, the rest was private or ticket raised.

When you look at NHL arenas in the US, then there is more owned by cities or counties (public). The ones that aren't are in Pittsburgh, New York, Colorado, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia. So 8 out of 23 or 35% roughly. So in the NHL 14 out of 30 teams have arenas (some recent) built entirely by private money. That's pretty close to 50% overall.

~50% is not an anomaly. That's just the NHL though, I am sure you're correct that a larger portion of Arenas if you start looking at smaller ones, are built by the public. But I don't think I'm too crazy to think at least the City of Surrey should push to not eat all the costs just because some cities do.

Now NFL absolutely. 26 of 32 stadiums in the NFL were built and are owned by public authorities. But we're talking Arenas here not football stadiums.

[Shift]

Looks like arena is on hold for scott road but ice rinks are still being built, has anyone heard anything about the arena negotiations? was really looking forward to this :(

Story here: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/surrey+puts+sports+arena+project+hold+moving+ahead+with/11693028/story.html

Construction of the new rinks said to begin this year with completion End of 2017.

This means we won't see the North Surrey Rec Centre and Surrey Central Bus Loop go until early 2018.

[Shift]

Not sure if this has been posted here, but came across this Planning Report for a 12-Storey mixed-use care facility with two 6 storey apartment buildings behind it, across from Surrey Memorial Hospital at 96th Ave and King George.

This area is on its way to becoming a nice cluster of large buildings, with the recently completed Professional Building, new one under construction, and Surrey Memorial tower 2 to come.

http://i.imgur.com/s4U4KCh.jpg?1

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

[officedweller]

Nice find!
Looks like there's a creek to the north of the site (that will be daylighted)

[CoryHolmes]

Is this part of the homeless shelter that's supposed to go in near the Hospital?

[Sheba]

Yeah it was reported on pg 73 - we didn't have a render then. Hopefully this means the Nimbys have calmed down about it.

[urbancanadian]

Thanks. I think it looks kinda similar to Arbutus Village in Vancouver.
The developer appears to be WestStone, which is behind the Urban Village development (Ultra/Evolve). Homepage: http://www.weststonegroup.com/

Here is the info I found on their website:

INNOVATION 1, 2 & 3

In 2014 WestStone acquired one of the last remaining parcels of developable land adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital (“SMH”). This land is within the newly dedicated “Hospital Zone” and, with its uniqueness, it offers some exceptional investment potential.

http://www.weststonegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Innovation-Rendering1.jpg

Innovation 1, 2, & 3

The land’s immediate neighbour is SMH which has recently undergone a $512-million expansion, is an affiliated University of British Columbia (UBC) teaching hospital and acts as the hub for the 40-acre Surrey Health Campus, home to over 6,000 medical professionals and hundreds of medical and nursing students. The land is destined to become the southern hub for the area designated as “Innovation Boulevard” which is anchored by SMH, UBC and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Innovation Boulevard is dedicated to healthcare technology and patient solutions. Light Rail Transit Station (LRT) will also be located immediately adjacent to the property.

WestStone’s current design is to create three distinct developable parcels with the two western parcels accommodating two 6-storey wood frame buildings totaling approximately 220,000 square feet ideally destined for senior’s independent living or dedicated rental buildings.

Given the exceptional location, on the doorstep of Surrey Health Campus, it can be expected that demand will be high. The east parcel adjacent to King George Boulevard will feature a 15-storey mid-rise, totaling approximately 335,390 square feet being designed for a mixed medical use ranging from complex care and assisted living for seniors to medical office, commercial and ground floor retail. Innovation 1, 2 & 3 meets a pressing need for complex care with specific dedicated medical use in fields such as spinal injuries and neurological care, etc. The entire development will be located in a tasteful urban forest setting, with a stream running around its northern perimeter.
http://www.weststonegroup.com/innovation-1-2-3/

[Sheba]

Thanks. I think it looks kinda similar to Arbutus Village in Vancouver.
The developer appears to be WestStone, which is behind the Urban Village development (Ultra/Evolve). Homepage: http://www.weststonegroup.com/

Here is the info I found on their website: ...

They've fleshed out the details a bit and the only thing that sounds different is before it was going to be a "stepped 12-storey" building.

Btw if you look on a map there's a trailer park there now and 95th doesn't go through to King George yet (that's the street shown in the render). I'm betting the creek won't be that big.

[GMasterAres]

I believe it is a smaller feeder creek that feeds into Quibble Creek at the south side of Surrey Memorial. It basically pipes under King George and flows in the trees between the trailer park and Tim Hortons.

The trailer park was fighting to not have this go through but I'm fairly certain things will move forward given the direction of Surrey council and the benefits to the area. It will be a nice building. Doesn't look like they are in the render but it would have been nice if they could connect 95 to 94A. They'd have to sweep up 94A to connect further North with Queen Elizabeth Secondary right there, but it would help further establish the Surrey Central ring road as 94A will be connecting via 138th to Whalley Boulevard in the next 5 years and 95 Avenue directly connects to 134th which will be the west ring connecting to University Drive through Holland Park in the longer term.

For those not familiar, see the following image I did up. The 95/94a section is the dashed orange near the bottom. Dashed lines are sections not complete right now and with the exception of 95/94a, all the dashed lines are planned to be connected in the next 5-10 years.

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

[Bobert]

Not sure if this has been posted here, but came across this Planning Report for a 12-Storey mixed-use care facility with two 6 storey apartment buildings behind it, across from Surrey Memorial Hospital at 96th Ave and King George.

This area is on its way to becoming a nice cluster of large buildings, with the recently completed Professional Building, new one under construction, and Surrey Memorial tower 2 to come.



Surrey memorial tower 2? I'm guessing this is an expansion of beds?

[Whalleyboy]

Surrey memorial tower 2? I'm guessing this is an expansion of beds?

Nothing has been sent to the city yet for the second tower at the hospital yet. When the new tower was built plans where put in place for a second twin tower as well. there is a whole master plan for the whole area it can be found here
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=164406&page=2

[whalley13]

Good interview in the Vancouver sun/local papers with Charan Sethi, Whalley developer

Balance has only 4 units left ( so virtually sold out)
Tower at 108th is gonna happen after Quattro phase 4
Quattro phase four is now going to be starting up...its going to be called "the Venue"....good news that part of the area is going to be built out now

[Blease]

.

[Blease]

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

Worth mentioning that the Liberal Party budget unveiled today mentions putting a Veteran's Affair's office in Surrey. My guess is that it'll be in this building (in the norther periphery of City Centre) which up till now was thought to consist entirely of social housing/assistance for Vets. Good news for the area, especially now that there's a dedicated budget for for the build.

[Jebby]

Worth mentioning that the Liberal Party budget unveiled today mentions putting a Veteran's Affair's office in Surrey. My guess is that it'll be in this building (in the norther periphery of City Centre) which up till now was thought to consist entirely of social housing/assistance for Vets. Good news for the area, especially now that there's a dedicated budget for for the build.

I fully expect that designed to be watered down due to cost. Hopefully they still build something noteworthy and iconic.

[GlassCity]

Sorry if this is the wrong thread, but it does say "South Fraser" and I couldn't find one for Abbotsford.

Abbotsford rethinks its future
Abbotsford, where the vehicle is king and surface parking lots eat up more real estate than the strip malls they service, is about to undergo a revolution.

Sprawling, lacking a downtown core and yet hemmed in by the very agricultural economy that has made it what it is, B.C.’s largest city by land mass is rethinking its future.

If all goes according to plan, the next 60,000 people to move there will shape Abbotsford — population 140,000 — into a denser urban environment where residential and commercial towers replace car parks and the city grows up, not out.
...
Read more: http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/abbotsford-rethinks-its-future

Looks like Abbotsford is gonna try to follow in Surrey's footsteps. It'll be even harder for them though, as their city centre is very linear and has a poor street grid. Should be interesting to see if they're really able to create a sense of place in what is essentially a giant power centre surrounded by sprawl.

[scryer]

Sorry if this is the wrong thread, but it does say "South Fraser" and I couldn't find one for Abbotsford.

Abbotsford rethinks its future

Read more: http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/abbotsford-rethinks-its-future

Looks like Abbotsford is gonna try to follow in Surrey's footsteps. It'll be even harder for them though, as their city centre is very linear and has a poor street grid. Should be interesting to see if they're really able to create a sense of place in what is essentially a giant power centre surrounded by sprawl.

Hopefully so. It's nice to see Abbotsford kind of take from Surrey's example. Only thing that is missing in their recipe, that Surrey has, is a rapid transportation link to the rest of the Lower Mainland (not that I think it is the be-all, end-all of development). Maybe if Abbotsford develops more densely as the article suggests, it could promote the idea of having the Expo line extend there OR having the West Coast Express extend its service there?

[Sheba]

Hopefully so. It's nice to see Abbotsford kind of take from Surrey's example. Only thing that is missing in their recipe, that Surrey has, is a rapid transportation link to the rest of the Lower Mainland (not that I think it is the be-all, end-all of development). Maybe if Abbotsford develops more densely as the article suggests, it could promote the idea of having the Expo line extend there OR having the West Coast Express extend its service there?

Commuter rail along the Trans Canada Hwy is a possibility. There aren't many cross streets (which already have over / underpasses in place) and an open median for the most part. It could go almost from Guildford to McCallum Road with minimal road work required. If they plan ahead for it I could see them do the road work (and play with the ground in the median) over a number of years before laying tracks down.

[Shift]

Maybe if Abbotsford develops more densely as the article suggests, it could promote the idea of having the Expo line extend there OR having the West Coast Express extend its service there?

Nobody wants to ride the Expo line to Abbottsford. Its a terribly uncomfortable form of travel over long distances, especially the Mark I's. Even to Surrey from
Downtown is a bit of a stretch. The region needs regional scale rail, such as expanded west coast express or german style S-Bahn which is larger than Skytrain, smaller than West Coast Express, but much more comfortable and suited to regional scale travel and frequent scheduling.

[GlassCity]

Nobody wants to ride the Expo line to Abbottsford. Its a terribly uncomfortable form of travel over long distances, especially the Mark I's. Even to Surrey from
Downtown is a bit of a stretch. The region needs regional scale rail, such as expanded west coast express or german style S-Bahn which is larger than Skytrain, smaller than West Coast Express, but much more comfortable and suited to regional scale travel and frequent scheduling.

Yeah, an Expo Line extension to Abbotsford likely wouldn't be feasible. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it would travel through way too much farmland to make sense. An S-Bahn system is my fantasy, going from Abbotsford to Vancouver stopping at major Expo Line stations along the way. Unfortunately, this would be way too expensive to ever happen.

[scryer]

Nobody wants to ride the Expo line to Abbottsford. Its a terribly uncomfortable form of travel over long distances, especially the Mark I's. Even to Surrey from
Downtown is a bit of a stretch. The region needs regional scale rail, such as expanded west coast express or german style S-Bahn which is larger than Skytrain, smaller than West Coast Express, but much more comfortable and suited to regional scale travel and frequent scheduling.

I figured as much. Plus it would be too slow anyways. So would expanded WCE be feasible then? I don't live in Abbotsford so I don't know the area well.

[BobLoblawsLawBlog]

Nobody wants to ride the Expo line to Abbottsford. Its a terribly uncomfortable form of travel over long distances, especially the Mark I's.

I'm the only one that find the mark I's more comfy.

[Blease]

Some of you may have heard the news that a Hollywood film studio is to built in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey. The five stage studio, (with a capacity to accommodate up to 400 staff production crew) will be on the site of the old Pacific newspaper printing press property, just off of 88th Avenue and east of Scott Rd. Nothing in the way of renders yet, but I'm guessing they'll be building new structures on the property as I can't see them using the buildings currently in place.

[scryer]

Some of you may have heard the news that a Hollywood film studio is to built in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey. The five stage studio, (with a capacity to accommodate up to 400 staff production crew) will be on the site of the old Pacific newspaper printing press property, just off of 88th Avenue and east of Scott Rd. Nothing in the way of renders yet, but I'm guessing they'll be building new structures on the property as I can't see them using the buildings currently in place.

That is freaking awesome!! Good for Surrey/Newton!

[xd_1771]

If you ask me the whole "we're getting a Hollywood studio" thing is a bit over-hyped, and the Mayor is walking away with far too much credit because the timing coincides with her big annual speech.

The key thing is what what the studio is doing is pursuing a potentially rather minimal conversion of an existing empty building, rather than constructing an actual purpose-built building. From Skydance's standpoint it means a lot of money can be saved on getting an extra studio within an hour's drive of Vancouver, which pretty much everyone wants these days anyways (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-film-industry-boom-1.3456681).

http://images.glaciermedia.ca/polopoly_fs/1.1747248.1422575519!/fileImage/httpImage/kennedy-heights-print-press.jpg

I mean, to start off, here's what the plant - which shut down only just last year - used to look like. Without the equipment (much of which was probably moved out/shut down when the plant did) it's a lot of big, empty space which would be very easily and inexpensively converted into a sound stage.

At the end of the day, these kinds of deals are possible anywhere in the region where there are big, empty warehouses and buildings. The studio is clearly moving in for reasons that have less to do with capitalizing on the potential of Surrey itself, but because a firesale deal showed up in front of their faces.

Think about it this way: If Pacific Newspaper Group decided to keep using the plant for a few more years rather than decide to contract out their services to a company in Annacis, Surrey might still be without a film studio.

[Blease]

If you ask me the whole "we're getting a Hollywood studio" thing is a bit over-hyped, and the Mayor is walking away with far too much credit because the timing coincides with her big annual speech.

The key thing is what what the studio is doing is pursuing a potentially rather minimal conversion of an existing empty building, rather than constructing an actual purpose-built building. From Skydance's standpoint it means a lot of money can be saved on getting an extra studio within an hour's drive of Vancouver, which pretty much everyone wants these days anyways (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-film-industry-boom-1.3456681).


I mean, to start off, here's what the plant - which shut down only just last year - used to look like. Without the equipment (much of which was probably moved out/shut down when the plant did) it's a lot of big, empty space which would be very easily and inexpensively converted into a sound stage.

At the end of the day, these kinds of deals are possible anywhere in the region where there are big, empty warehouses and buildings. The studio is clearly moving in for reasons that have less to do with capitalizing on the potential of Surrey itself, but because a firesale deal showed up in front of their faces.

Think about it this way: If Pacific Newspaper Group decided to keep using the plant for a few more years rather than decide to contract out their services to a company in Annacis, Surrey might still be without a film studio.

You're missing the bigger picture here. Within Greater Vancouver, Surrey has never been seen as a prime destination for large global brand name companies or important events, because most large companies/businesses would rather set up shop where other established companies already exist, and for most companies that place has always been central Vancouver. For Surrey and municipalities similar, it's a catch-22 situation, ie. Microsoft won't set up an office here because Apple isn't already here, and Apple only sets up operations if there's an Amazon nearby, etc, etc, etc. What the arrival of this studio does is, it puts Surrey on the cultural map and who knows, in the near future other producers of cultural products such as a publishing house or a recording studio may choose Surrey as their base because they see a potential synergy with the film studio already based here, that's how these things play out. I suspect the opening of the upcoming Marriott Autograph hotel in Surrey Central and the large techno music festivals which take place in Holland Park, may have given impetus to this studio move. The studio is also good news for Surrey because it creates many spin off jobs, and very importantly it accords greater importance to the city. This is all in all, excellent news for Surrey, because even up to a week ago who could have envisioned a Hollywood Studio in this community.

[scryer]

you're missing the bigger picture here. Within greater vancouver, surrey has never been seen as a prime destination for large global brand name companies or important events, because most large companies/businesses would rather set up shop where other established companies already exist, and for most companies that place has always been central vancouver. For surrey and municipalities similar, it's a catch-22 situation, ie. Microsoft won't set up an office here because apple isn't already here, and apple only sets up operations if there's an amazon nearby, etc, etc, etc. What the arrival of this studio does is, it puts surrey on the cultural map and who knows, in the near future other producers of cultural products such as a publishing house or a recording studio may choose surrey as their base because they see a potential synergy with the film studio already based here, that's how these things play out. I suspect the opening of the upcoming marriott autograph hotel in surrey central and the large techno music festivals which take place in holland park, may have given impetus to this studio move. The studio is also good news for surrey because it creates many spin off jobs, and very importantly it accords greater importance to the city. This is all in all, excellent news for surrey, because even up to a week ago who could have envisioned a hollywood studio in this community.

Exactly. Let's attract more diverse industries other than office buildings (though, they can come to the party too!).

[Katherine S]

I'm not sure if this has been in the forums before, but there's finally some movement on the Cloverdale West Village site.

Just a few pits being excavated.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7538/27451387832_75893ef554_b.jpg
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7327/27451385802_27b135d123_b.jpghttps://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7498/27451382072_637f0c97cd_b.jpg

[sryboy]

I'm not sure if this has been in the forums before, but there's finally some movement on the Cloverdale West Village site.

Just a few pits being excavated.



Thanks for the pics Katherine.
Is that the old Safeway site?

[Whalleyboy]

yeah I read something some where the soil may finally be good to start building on. From the old dry cleaning place that was in the mall it had ruined the soil son they had to fix it. Thats why nothing was happening there for so long

[Katherine S]

I was looking over the SCDC project documents and it seems that the area that is being excavated is the area that wasn't part of remediation efforts (http://scdc.ca/media/CWV-Remediation-Update.pdf). It may be that there's a bit more left to do in that area.

[CoryHolmes]

Just drove by the parking lot on University Drive and 102. A sign says the lot will be permanently closed on July 31. Hopefully this means the SFU project will commence soon after.

[apesta]

Hi all, just want some input on Guildford area. I've been looking into Surrey recently as I want to buy a place there. I've initially looked deeply into South Surrey since it's the best area to live in if I have to choose Surrey. However I've also come across Guildford and it seems like it isn't that bad. At least it is closer to vancouver and Richmond which I normally go. I would just like to see if Guildford is worth investing into or I should choose South Surrey even if commute is much further.

[GMasterAres]

Hi all, just want some input on Guildford area. I've been looking into Surrey recently as I want to buy a place there. I've initially looked deeply into South Surrey since it's the best area to live in if I have to choose Surrey. However I've also come across Guildford and it seems like it isn't that bad. At least it is closer to vancouver and Richmond which I normally go. I would just like to see if Guildford is worth investing into or I should choose South Surrey even if commute is much further.

No simple answer. It depends on what you're looking for. A single family house, townhouse, condo, etc.? New, old? Guildford is more urban that most of South Surrey. Newer houses and townhouses are typically more expensive in South Surrey. But again it is really difficult to answer that directly as South Surrey is really quite a vast chunk of land and has multiple areas. Ocean Park is much different than Crescent Beach or Morgan Creek or Morgan Heights, etc.

So would need a bit more information as your only qualification seems to be "best area" which doesn't really mean much because you're not stating how you classify an area as best. Best for raising children? Best for commuting? Best for being able to walk to things? Best for weather? Best for crime? Best for amenities?

Finally are you buying to raise a family, live long term, or to live in it and flip it in a few years hoping to cash in on home prices increasing?

[apesta]

No simple answer. It depends on what you're looking for. A single family house, townhouse, condo, etc.? New, old? Guildford is more urban that most of South Surrey. Newer houses and townhouses are typically more expensive in South Surrey. But again it is really difficult to answer that directly as South Surrey is really quite a vast chunk of land and has multiple areas. Ocean Park is much different than Crescent Beach or Morgan Creek or Morgan Heights, etc.

So would need a bit more information as your only qualification seems to be "best area" which doesn't really mean much because you're not stating how you classify an area as best. Best for raising children? Best for commuting? Best for being able to walk to things? Best for weather? Best for crime? Best for amenities?

Finally are you buying to raise a family, live long term, or to live in it and flip it in a few years hoping to cash in on home prices increasing?

I'll be more specific. I've never been to Surrey much my whole life and I often hear a lot crime activities going on around central Surrey or Surrey in general. So I wonder if Guildford is in that category or it's a nicer area where I can raise children or where I can feel safe in the neighbourhood. I'm currently looking to buy Guildhouse by Mosaic homes just across from Guildford mall. They will be launching some townhomes and I was really drawn to their layout and overall development. I've been to Morgan Crossing and I must say the area there is much nicer and less busy. However, prices over there are beginning to be unaffordable. Guildhouse will probably be a lot more affordable. So I basically just want to know if the area around Guildford mall would be good to start a family. My main issue with Morgan crossing other than pricing is also the fact that it's far from the main cities whereas Guildford is closer to Vancouver, Burnaby.

[Whalleyboy]

Well I've lived in both Surrey central and Guildford. Currently I am living in Guildford while it seems a little more quite this way I never found issues living in Surrey central then again I live in an older more settle in complex there. One thing I will say if you are living in guildford make sure you drive as the area doesn't really have a walk around feel to it to get you out and walking. Surrey central keeps getting better on that part I find. I plan to move back to central in a few years myself actually.

I can't really give you to much info on south surrey as I never lived that way

[GMasterAres]

I'll be more specific. I've never been to Surrey much my whole life and I often hear a lot crime activities going on around central Surrey or Surrey in general. So I wonder if Guildford is in that category or it's a nicer area where I can raise children or where I can feel safe in the neighbourhood. I'm currently looking to buy Guildhouse by Mosaic homes just across from Guildford mall. They will be launching some townhomes and I was really drawn to their layout and overall development. I've been to Morgan Crossing and I must say the area there is much nicer and less busy. However, prices over there are beginning to be unaffordable. Guildhouse will probably be a lot more affordable. So I basically just want to know if the area around Guildford mall would be good to start a family. My main issue with Morgan crossing other than pricing is also the fact that it's far from the main cities whereas Guildford is closer to Vancouver, Burnaby.

People overhype "Surrey Crime" just like they overhype all the "Deadly Animals in Australia." Headlines make for good talking points but are about as factual as claiming the Sun is Yellow.

That said, Guildford is more urban than Morgan Crossing because it is larger, more established, and closer to Central Surrey. And Morgan Crossing is more urban than most of the other areas of "South Surrey" with maybe the exception of the area around Semiahmoo. It is definitely less busy and because it is a brand new area, has the shiny gloss of a new car in the showroom. You pay for that though as you've pointed out.

For raising a family, my advice would be to look at a few other factors. Obviously you want an area where crime is lower overall which is the majority of Surrey. The gang shootings in the news largely happen in a section of Newton in a predominantly Indo-Canadian section between Scott Road and 132nd Street, 68th and 88th Avenue. So Guildford is a fair distance away from that area.

Second thing I'd look for is really just the area itself. Case and point, there's been vocal complaints in the news lately about an area along Kingsway with a chronic problem of disposed needles and condoms and children needing to walk through this all to school. I'd honestly be more upset with my daughter dealing with that then a gang banger shooting another gang banger 30 blocks away. There are areas of Guildford that you're more likely to find that type of stuff though, and while I don't like to generalize, areas south of Guildford town center (toward 108th) and east a few blocks (to about 148th) have a higher probability of that just because of the average income levels.

To judge that point you really just need to get out and walk around the neighborhood (and that goes for any neighborhood you are interested in be it Surrey, Delta, Coquitlam, who knows).

Next thing is depending on if you have children already or are thinking about it very soon, I'd pay attention to amenities and access to things like children's programs, recreation centers, schools, parks, etc. Guildford has a family resource center by the ICBC near McDonalds just west of the mall which has some good programs, and there are quite a few medical facilities around there. Also the Guildford rec center is quite outstanding. West side of Guildford you're also closer to parks like Tynhead (http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/tynehead-regional-park) but also on the east side around 104th and 144th bordering Guildford/Whalley is Hawthorne Park (http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2082.aspx) which is quite nice too and Green Timbers (http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2104.aspx) isn't too far either (less than 20 minute walk from Guildford Mall). I've walked Guildford through Green Timbers to Surrey Central quite a few times with my daughter in her buggy or in a carrier. It is actually a nice walk, and about a little more than 1 hour total.

South Surrey has a lot going for it too so other than the driving thing since transit is virtually non-existent out there, you have much the same with respect to parks facilities, schools, etc. A few blocks from Morgon Crossing Surrey just finished the Grandview Heights Aquatic Center which is really nice. The rec center though is a bit of a drive away from that area and is closer to Semiahmoo and basically next to Softball City, but not horribly far away (10 minute drive).

South Surrey also gives you quicker access to beaches like White Rock and Crescent Beach and there are some really nice park areas over in the Ocean Park area and Redwood Park (http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2187.aspx) isn't that far away either which is a great park to visit with a nice play area, picnic areas, and forest trails.

There is definitely a reason why a large percentage of people live in and move to Surrey in order to raise their children. If you can see beyond the "crime" headlines that really represent a small portion of the overall city and quite frankly also affect a small portion of the population, it is a great place to live and grow up and each of the various areas can afford you much different vibes and experiences. Quite frankly that goes for most of the Lower Mainland. I'd have no issue raising my daughter in Kits or Oakridge or West End but I'd think twice about the Downtown East Side. Just common sense.

Personally I looked all the above and price wise what we could afford that (1) left money in our pockets to actually get out, travel, and enjoy life, and (2) was large enough to comfortably live with 1 to 2 children. I think the having some money in your pocket and travelling are important. We have friends who have nice houses but have no money to do anything and spend most of their weeks at home. Whenever we invite them out to go place it is the same story "we don't have any money right now need to save up." What's the point. To me it's like people who wait until they are retired to travel. Miss out on many years, probably their best years, to enjoy the world.

We went out last weekend to Burke Mountain in Coquitlam to check out a new park that way and two weeks before were out at Campbell Valley Park in Langley. If you have shopping close by, some nice amenities, have some money in your pocket because your home didn't cost you $2 million, and can go out for walks an not trip over drug addicts and discarded needles, I think you'd be AOK. Where we are now is not outstanding for local schools so in 4 or 5 years we very well may end up moving elsewhere, but it's the best place for us right now and ticks off all the above so far.

Not sure if the above helps out. :shrug:

:cool:

[Blease]

YMCA construction announced for Surrey City Centre.

Not many details yet, but this will be part and parcel of the replacement of the North Surrey Rec Centre and further development of the area around Surrey Central skytrain station. With the recent announcement of the SFU campus expansion (literally across the street) and the renovation plans for the skytrain station itself, the central core of Surrey continues to re-invent itself. And I'm not very knowledgeable about YMCAs but my sense is they tend to be substantially higher-end than typical rec centres, in which case it will certainly do its part to further raise the neighbourhood's profile.

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/386698081.html?mobile=true

[urbancanadian]

Any guesses which site they might pick? A city-owned property?

[sryboy]

Any guesses which site they might pick? A city-owned property?

HUB development maybe?

[Sheba]

More shootings in Surrey (http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/sunday-shooting-in-surrey-leaves-one-man-dead/ar-BBv6y0P) *sigh*

Another man has died in a fatal shooting in Surrey on Sunday — the second such incident in just over a week.

Surrey Mounties, responding to a call about an injured man, found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds in the 13900-block Antrim Road just after 8 p.m. on Sunday. He was later pronounced dead.

...

Last Saturday, two men were shot in the driveway of a home in the 14300-block 90A Avenue. One man was injured, while another, Jatinder (Michael) Sandhu, died from his injuries.

...

On Thursday, shots were fired in the area of 135A Street and 108th Avenue. Officers found two men with gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.


None of those locations are in Newton.

[GMasterAres]

More shootings in Surrey (http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/sunday-shooting-in-surrey-leaves-one-man-dead/ar-BBv6y0P) *sigh*


None of those locations are in Newton.

Nope they weren't though one was borderline. 50% of all the shootings this year though have been in Newton. The rest everywhere else scattered, and several were "car chases." That said again the majority (and yes there are some anomalies) are people well known to Police with "lengthy criminal records" and "known links to the drug trade."

I really wish it would just stop though, unfortunately the "lengthy criminal records" part I think again underlines the problem we actually have in Surrey, that our court system is failing miserably. Having a "lengthy criminal record" means Police pretty much send you a Christmas card every year they know you and have arrested you so many times.

Yet the courts just let these people back out onto the street over and over and over again until their fellow gangsters can bump them off. Far too much discussion in the Media and from Politicians about policing and not enough about the ridiculous court system in BC and in Canada period.

[Jebby]

Naturalized citizens should be stripped of their citizenship and deported back to their country of origin if convicted of a violent crime.

[Cypherus]

Naturalized citizens should be stripped of their citizenship and deported back to their country of origin if convicted of a violent crime.

Most of the shootings are from young indo Canadian males getting hooked into the gang life, taking inspiration from Bindy Johal and movies like Scarface, while having parents who deny their involvement in criminal activities so as to preserve family social image.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/beeba-boys-bc-anti-gang-unit-slams-movie-about-indo-canadian-gangsters-1.3275299

[trofirhen]

What kind of guns do they use, and how do they get them? I thought posessing a handgun was a serious crime in Canada. Do they buy hunting rifles, or just smuggled guns, or what?:???:

[trofirhen]

Naturalized citizens should be stripped of their citizenship and deported back to their country of origin if convicted of a violent crime.
I wish more Europeans thought that way. They're so soft on that here, especially in Northern Europe.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

the real problem is the fact we give criminals so many rights, more rights then the victims, and such soft sentences. serving only 1/3 of a sentence is mandatory in most cases. how does that makes sense. it doesn't make sense that someone with 3 life-sentences can get out after 30 years. so i guess each life-sentence is worth 10 years. not only that, though, but someone with 3 life sentences AND a moderate to high-risk to re-offend is still let out.

if we are letting people like that out, of course we wont be doing anything when its less then 3 life-sentences.

Naturalized citizens should be stripped of their citizenship and deported back to their country of origin if convicted of a violent crime.

agreed, i dont know why we even let them stay, all they are doing is causing crime, why do we even keep them?

I wish more Europeans thought that way. They're so soft on that here, especially in Northern Europe.

well that isn't "politically correct." we are busy trying to be nice to everyone while all they want to do is be murders/thugs/criminals/terrorists.

guy comes to Canada, becomes Canadian citizen with dual citizenship, becomes terrorist to harm Canadians, but nope, we don't withdraw his citizenship because "he is Canadian." no, he should be stripped of his citizenship and dropped off in some dark hole wherever.

[Caliplanner1]

the real problem is the fact we give criminals so many rights, more rights.

guy comes to Canada, becomes Canadian citizen with dual citizenship, becomes terrorist to harm Canadians, but nope, we don't withdraw his citizenship because "he is Canadian." no, he should be stripped of his citizenship and dropped off in some dark hole wherever.

How would you suggest that Canada deals with those Indo-Canadian"thugs" who were born here?? Deport them back to India,...do they have less constitutional rights than their European Canadian counterparts (who may also be criminals as being a part of such white gangs as the Hell's Angels etc.)??:???:

[osirisboy]

This is all ridiculously off topic

[sryboy]

Naturalized citizens should be stripped of their citizenship and deported back to their country of origin if convicted of a violent crime.

I bet if you checked, most of these punks were born here. Personally I blame the parenting, regardless of where they were born. If I did anything stupid as a kid, my mom had a loaded wooden spoon ready to fix that! lol.

[w34lth]

This is all ridiculously off topic

I agree.

[GMasterAres]

Most of the shootings are from young indo Canadian males getting hooked into the gang life, taking inspiration from Bindy Johal and movies like Scarface, while having parents who deny their involvement in criminal activities so as to preserve family social image.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/beeba-boys-bc-anti-gang-unit-slams-movie-about-indo-canadian-gangsters-1.3275299

Hit the nail on the head.

But the two posters above are right this is likely heading quite off topic.

[GMasterAres]

Looks like Concord Pacific has submitted to Surrey the next proposal for the land between Park Place and King George SkyTrain Station.

Looks like it has changed from 2 x towers to 1 x 42 storey tower with a 3 storey podium including street facing (Whalley Boulevard) townhouses.

https://apps.surrey.ca/Online-Development-Inquiry/?year=16&seq=0360

Very preliminary so no renderings I can see. Also curious to see where the tower will be positioned, if close to Park Place 2 or closer to the SkyTrain guide-way.

http://www.jhausner.com/Surrey/Concord3_Surrey.jpg

[CoryHolmes]

I saw some activity on the house just above of the site for the SFU expansion building. Workers in yellow vests, but I couldn't ask any of them what was going on.

[w34lth]

-

[Blease]

Developers planning a 50 storey building in Surrey City Centre. Building to be an education centre for international students.

http://webpapersadmin.bpnewmedia.com/portals/uploads/surreynow/.DIR288/10240CP50-Storeys.jpg


http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?mobile=true

[logicbomb]

Seems like a no-brainier with the development of the second SFU tower and new KPU Business Campus in 3 Civic.

That said, I really doubt those residential/dorm units will be affordable to the average student. Don't really care if the plan is to gouge international students though.

[retro_orange]

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

This building is beautiful, Any news on it?

[retro_orange]

Developers planning a 50 storey building in Surrey City Centre. Building to be an education centre for international students.


http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?mobile=true

That's a sexy podium :)

[Jebby]

Developers planning a 50 storey building in Surrey City Centre. Building to be an education centre for international students.

http://webpapersadmin.bpnewmedia.com/portals/uploads/surreynow/.DIR288/10240CP50-Storeys.jpg


http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?mobile=true

Damn, that looks pretty fantastic. Hopefully it does get built and they don't cheapen the design with horribly bland and low quality materials like they did to 3 Civic Plaza.

[officedweller]

That's a sexy podium :)

http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68647surreynowstardust.jpg
http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?platform=hootsuite

The rendering and the description of the floor use allocation don't seem to match.
... so I would expect a change in the design.

i.e. Levels 4-20 should look like office space - but the rendering shows a residential-looking configuration with all around balconies
and the sky gardens don't separate uses at the proper levels.

The 550,000-square-foot "GEC Education Mega Center" project, subject to city approval, is a partnership between developer WestStone Group and CIBT Education Group (rendering pictured).

...

The would-be education centre is set to be located in City Centre, between SFU Surrey and the future Kwantlen Polytechnic University at 10240 135th Street.

Levels one to three would offer amenities including a food court, student lounge, computer centre, electronic library and conference rooms as well as office space for education consultants.

Levels four to 20 would be leased to educational institutions as their satellite campus in Surrey.

Residential suites on levels 26 to 35 would be designed for long-term stay international students and the remaining levels 36 to 50 would be "flagship student hotels" for short-term stays students and visitors.
...

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?platform=hootsuite

[CoryHolmes]

That's a good proposal, but I remain wary of the student-for-residences aspect. Will the suites be individually owned and rented out, or will a management company rent out whole blocks of suites? Will the purchase prices be affordable or will they be marketed to international "students" with a boatload of spare cash to hide?

But I'll be happy to be proven wrong and that this will be an amazing, integral part of the growing University District (tm).

[officedweller]

Sounds like they'll be rental.

[GMasterAres]

I read it as basically on-campus residence. So the building is basically one giant college campus. Rather than being spread out it is in a tower. Be interesting to see an actual proposal, isn't even on the Surrey site yet as being submitted into the city.

If the building is as designed though in that picture, the height would challenge 3 Civic and could be anywhere between 160m and 180m. Guess we shall see. Wonder if they are so ambitious to push the 600 foot mark.

Agree though the render doesn't really fit their description so I'll wait to see a planning report. :cool:

[officedweller]

Found a press release:

http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2016/09/07/cibt-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-to-build-gec-education-mega-center-for

This description seems to fit better:



CIBT Signs Memorandum of Understanding to build GEC Education Mega Center for $230 Million

Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - CIBT Education Group Inc. (TSX: MBA, OTCQX International: MBAIF) (“CIBT” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the WestStone Group, a leading real estate development company in Western Canada, to construct the GEC Education Mega Center in Surrey, B.C. The project is expected to cost approximately $230 million. The parties plan on finalizing the formal Purchase and Sale Agreement on or before October 31, 2016 while preparations for the development application are underway.

...

About the GEC Education Mega Center (“Mega Center”):

The proposed Mega Center is expected to be an iconic 50-storey high-rise tower, subject to city planning approval.

•The Mega Center site is 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.

To view the conceptual drawing of the Mega Center, please visit: http://cibt.net/news/emc.php

Read more at http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2016/09/07/cibt-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-to-build-gec-education-mega-center-for#qWHs6ePYIzTwxoCP.99

Bigger rendering:

http://cibt.net/news/images/emc-1.jpg
http://cibt.net/news/emc.php

http://cibt.net/news/images/emc-2.jpg
http://cibt.net/news/emc.php

This company already operates a number of student residences
- including the Viva Tower downtown and the former Best Western @ Granville & Drake.

http://www.studenthotel.ca

and its operations include Sprott-Shaw College.

So sounds like a reputable company.

[Millennium2002]

Trying to envision 20 educational institutions cramming into 3 floors... the floorplate doesn't look really big so I'm not quite seeing how that will work frankly... And also, why is the hotel check-in on the top-most floor...?

As much as I like such a tall building, the underlying intentions seem murkier...

[excel]

Front Desk and Check-in on the 50th floor?

[officedweller]

I'll bet they end up swapping the 7th (or 27th) and 50th floor functions.

BTW - 3-6 is 4 floors.
I would expect the institutions would share timeslots in the classrooms if they are just "satellites".

*********

The website also shows an "Education Super Centre" in a waterfront location.
No indication where that might be (maybe Richmond?)

... Found a press release - MOU signed in 2015 (but no progress?) sounds like Richmond:

http://www.cibt.net/news/20150619.php

More - "Global Education City":

http://www.joyce-international.com/global-education-city

[Shift]

^Nice find on the details. Too bad there is no mention of when they would expect to break ground / complete the project by, but sounds like the development application could be submitted soon. Could take a year or two to go through the process with the City, so guessing 2018 ground breaking?

Interesting to note that the tower is oriented towards what will be a new dedication of 102A Avenue, which is the street that will replace the current bus loop and link up with a re-aligned 102A at the new SFU building. This project will initiate the first bit of the 102A connection through to King George Blvd. Looks like it will initiate the start of the new urban green lane running along the east side of it too.

Building location where the black dot is:

http://i.imgur.com/lecynK3.jpg?1

http://www.surrey.ca/files/CityCentre_Road_Network_Appendix_V.pdf

[red-paladin]

Very cool proposal

[retro_orange]

Front Desk and Check-in on the 50th floor?

I was wondering that too. Maybe those it's tailored to arrive by helicopter. Those arriving by car be damned.

[vanman]

This is a great proposal that would not look out of place downtown. I wish this could replace the Telus condo actually haha. It has way better proportions and no odd shaved angles to satisfy arbitrary viewcones.

[retro_orange]

this is a great proposal that would not look out of place downtown. I wish this could replace the telus condo actually haha. It has way better proportions and no odd shaved angles to satisfy arbitrary viewcones.

+1

[scryer]

Developers planning a 50 storey building in Surrey City Centre. Building to be an education centre for international students.

http://webpapersadmin.bpnewmedia.com/portals/uploads/surreynow/.DIR288/10240CP50-Storeys.jpg


http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/392607101.html?mobile=true

That said, I really doubt those residential/dorm units will be affordable to the average student. Don't really care if the plan is to gouge international students though.

Agreed. This should get a thread of its own...

Anyways this tower would help gentrify the area a lot. As soon as we have some more students, and residents (from the other towers), then the area is going to become more desirable, and eventually, more livable and less dangerous. It's a great proposal and another step in the right direction for Surrey.

[BodomReaper]

Looks awesome. Any word on the architect? Looks like it could be a Chris Dikeakos design, and they've worked with WestStone in the past.