New Surrey development provides glimpse of the city’s future

All the cranes lining the horizon don’t lie: Surrey is growing. As the second largest city in BC (and expanding at a rate of 11% per year), it’s quickly becoming one of the Lower Mainland’s most livable cities. And with housing prices a whopping 24% cheaper than those in Vancouver, it’s not hard to see why.

LINEA is one of the newest additions to Surrey’s burgeoning skyline. When designing the 28-floor residence, the developers took inspiration from the city itself, implementing unique features and amenities that are emblematic of what’s up-and-coming in Surrey.

“Surrey is in many ways a city being built in front of our eyes. With this unique condition comes an openness to [the] new and a confidence in creating places that are unlike anything else,” Steven Cox, Head of Creative at Rize, explained. “LINEA was a chance to develop a project that was unique to its place.”

We spoke with the building’s creators about a few ways that this new development mirrors what residents can expect in the city’s future.

Green space at your fingertips

One of the major perks of living in the Lower Mainland is its access to the environment — and with 250 parks and 6,679 acres of parkland, Surrey has no shortage of opportunities to get outside. Outdoor attractions like Redwood Park, Crescent Beach, and Blackie Spit are major highlights in all seasons. Recently redeveloped Holland Park has also become a contemporary, urban community space, with events like Party for the Planet, Fusion Festival, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony happening there every year.

LINEA gives its residents prime access to Surrey’s outdoor and active life. Located in the city centre, it’s just steps away from several urban parks and playgrounds. The property itself boasts more than 7,000 square feet of outdoor courtyard, complete with a children’s play area. With a gym facility just for residents, an active lifestyle is easily within reach inside the building as well.

Flexible work-life balance

Inspired by the everchanging city landscape, flexibility is central to LINEA’s ethos. Residents can choose between one-, two-, or three-bedroom homes and townhouses. The building’s co-working space allows residents to strike the perfect compromise between having a home office and schlepping their laptop out to the coffee shop.

Surrey City Centre is striving for the same kind of multi-purpose vibe, with a host of new urban development projects underway. Start-ups and established businesses alike — like Coast Capital Savings and PwC — are taking advantage of affordable real estate and moving their head offices to Surrey. Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus, Kwantlen Polytechnic and UBC’s teaching hospital are all nestled in city centre, making Surrey ideal for a variety of students and professionals looking to upgrade their skillset or start new careers.

“With major rapid transit infrastructure already in place and more on the way, Surrey will continue to build amenities over the next decade that support the growing population. Cultural, academic, and business growth will be the most obvious as Surrey becomes a destination for 24/7 life,” Cox said.

Expanding cultural attractions

The art-lover’s dream of eye-catching sculptures and murals as far as the eye can see becomes a reality in Surrey’s Cultural Corridor, a 20-kilometre stretch that connects the city’s top art must-sees. A highlight includes the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre’s UrbanScreen, Canada’s largest, permanent, non-commercial screen that presents digital artwork by regionally and internationally significant artists. The expansive architecture of the new City Centre Library and City Hall building are also not to be missed.

 The team behind LINEA recognizes that connecting over media and culture is the cornerstone of a fulfilling urban life. The building has a dedicated games and media room, a shared lounge, a social kitchen, and an elegant dining area for gatherings with family and friends. Its design — with oversized, rolling balconies and sweeping outdoor spaces — is also carefully considered to act both as a home for residents and a stunning architectural feature.

Urban (and social) connections

LINEA’s expansive rooftop patio and social area provide a beautiful excuse to play host, making them the perfect place to kick back after a long week (or day) of work.

For those days where you don’t have the energy to entertain, however, the development is around the corner from Surrey’s best shopping, restaurants, and cafés. Start your day with a cuppa at the highly ‘grammable West Village Cafe, delight in plates at My Shanti (Vikram Vij’s Surrey hot spot), then relax with a pint and a pal at award-winning Central City.

LINEA is steps away from the Surrey Central SkyTrain station, which offers a 40-minute ride to the highlights of downtown Vancouver. The neighbourhood will become an even grander epicenter in 2024, when Surrey’s street-level LRT connecting the Newton town centre to Surrey City Centre is completed — proving that the most exciting bits of Surrey’s development are still yet to come.

Whether you’re seeking refuge from the high costs and limited living space of Vancouver proper or just looking for a change of scenery, Surrey welcomes residents of all stripes. You’ll be inspired by what its future holds.