Unique redevelopment with 1,100 homes proposed for Surrey City Centre

Jun 4 2019, 1:08 pm

Surrey’s emerging downtown area is set to see even more transit-oriented verticality that boosts the area’s housing options and public spaces.

See also

Local developer Rize Alliance has submitted an application to redevelop a four-acre property at 10138 Whalley Boulevard — the northeast corner of the intersection of Whalley Boulevard and 101 Avenue — into Passages, a significant mixed-use redevelopment with an architecturally-unique flair.

The development site is roughly two blocks away from SkyTrain’s Surrey City Centre and King George stations. It is currently occupied by two four-storey buildings constructed in 1971 that contain 154 rental homes combined.

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Site of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. (Google Maps)

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Site of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. (Google Maps)

However, no rental housing stock will be eliminated, as the redevelopment will fully replace all units within two new 11-storey and 13-storey purpose-built rental towers, with rates set to BC Housing affordability targets.

Additionally, three other towers — 21 storeys, 30 storeys, and 38 storeys — will provide 880 market residential units, and a six-storey mid-rise building will generate 66 family-oriented homes.

Altogether, the redevelopment calls for over 1,100 new homes, with 40% of the units designed to be family-oriented two- and three-bedroom homes.

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Artistic rendering of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. Looking northwest, view is focused on the central piazza with a rental building in the background. Ground floor cafe and second floor childcare are located on the second rental building on the right side. Condo towers feature shared amenity ground floors. (Alison Brooks Architects / Rize Alliance)

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Artistic rendering of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. View looking west showing public spaces, shared amenity space, and building entrances. (Alison Brooks Architects / Rize Alliance)

All residents will have access to approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of amenity spaces, which is in addition to the offering of nearly two-acres of publicly-accessible landscaped piazzas at the centre of the development. There will also be a basketball court, community gardens, and play areas.

As well, a 4,800-sq-ft childcare facility with its own play area will have a capacity for up to 38 kids.

Some local-serving retail and restaurant spaces, spanning a total of 18,700 sq. ft. of commercial floor area, are also planned.

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Artistic rendering of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. Cut-away section of the cafe and daycare at the base of a rental building. (Alison Brooks Architects / Rize Alliance)

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Artistic rendering of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. Interior view of childcare facility with outdoor terrace. (Alison Brooks Architects / Rize Alliance)

Design work was carried out by UK-based, award-winning Alison Brooks Architects, with IBI Group’s Vancouver office acting as the architect of record.

“The development is focused on creating a distinct identity for people who live and work in Surrey,” Steven Cox with Rize Alliance told Daily Hive.

“Inspired by the textures of our natural environment, the design of the towers take advantage of a layered and bark-like textured cladding system to provide sun shading, privacy, while the low-rise buildings are more connected to the earth and utilize more solid, stone like cladding.”

Furthermore, he says, the design team broke away from the standard tower and podium format that has been replicated across many developments around Metro Vancouver.

Instead, Passages will create an open city block that enables a free-flowing public space at its core.

Passages 10138 Whalley Boulevard Surrey

Artistic rendering of Passages at 10138 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey. View of the southwest corner showing the six-storey mid-rise building and community garden. (Alison Brooks Architects / Rize Alliance)

“We believe the location of the site at the boundary of Surrey City Centre can facilitate pedestrian connectivity,” continued Cox.

“As such, the design has chosen to focus on activating the heart of the complex, bringing movement through the site and offering amenities for residents and neighbours to use and enjoy.”

The design concept received unanimous support from the City of Surrey’s Advisory Design Panel last month. It is anticipated to enter city council’s public hearing phase this summer or early fall.

See also

Kenneth ChanKenneth Chan

+ News
+ Architecture & Design
+ Development
+ Urbanized
ADVERTISEMENT