Central City II on the way
By Kevin Diakiw - Surrey North Delta Leader - March 19, 2008 | | | |
Surrey’s most prominent tower will soon have company, as plans proceed with Central City Tower – phase two.
Coun. Linda Hepner said this week financial backing is forming for a highrise that’s at least as tall as its 25-storey partner.
She expects a report from staff regarding the second office tower in the coming weeks.
In fact, most councillors are counting on that building to become the new location for city hall, as it begins to move services up to City Centre.
City hall officials have long suggested a possible move to the city core in Whalley, and last week, Mayor Dianne Watts renewed her call for the relocation.
Watts later said the move could take place in phases, with some critical elements of city services going north first.
Hepner said Monday those could include legal services, economic development, the city clerk’s office, and the mayor and council.
She doesn’t expect those services to be moved this year, nor does her colleague Coun. Tom Gill, who also wants city hall moved to the phase two of Central City.
The second phase of Central City, which was initially unveiled as a concept almost 10 years ago, is expected to be built in what is now the parking lot of the North Surrey Recreation Centre, on 135 Street near 102 Avenue.
A plan to relocate and rebuild the rec centre would be part of the public consultation process.
Coun. Judy Villeneuve, one of the longest and move vocal proponents of putting city hall in North Surrey, said an exhaustive public consultation process will likely take place before the tower is given the okay by council.
Hepner couldn’t say exactly when construction would begin, but expects it to start sometime in 2008.
“Totally this year,” Hepner said.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/news/16791396.html
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