We’ve heard this story before, developer proposes large towers to a part of town unaccustomed to them, current residents are infuriated. With the pending Oakridge redevelopment, 13 residential towers have been proposed. The height varies from 18 to 45 storeys, making these the tallest towers in the City of Vancouver outside the downtown core.
After downtown and the Broadway Corridor, the Oakridge Centre redevelopment has the biggest potential to increase jobs and density in the city. Literally located at the centre of the city and next to a rapid transit station, one would think that it would make sense to build tall and maximize the potential of the location. Apparently, this reasoning is lost on many residents.
The City should do whatever it takes to increase the density along major transit lines because citizens want to live near rapid transit. But of course, shortsighted residents are more worried about their precious views then the advancement of the city they live in. It is unfortunate that some current residents will lose views, however, in a growing city, how can one expect to keep such precious views?
Currently the City of Vancouver has approved developments up to 31 storeys at Joyce-Collingwood, and up to 35 storeys at Cambie and Marine Drive. And if you think that that is too tall, just take a look at what they are doing in Burnaby where 50 storey buildings are becoming routine in Metrotown and the Brentwood Centre Redevelopment calls for a 70-storey tower.
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If approved, Oakridge Centre will rival Metrotown, Coquitlam Centre and Surrey City Centre in scope and size.
The rezoning application for Oakridge Centre proposes over 4,500,000 square feet of development.
- Retail (sq. ft.) from 620,000 to 1,430,600
- Office (sq. ft.) from 126,000 to 424,259
- Amenity (sq. ft.) from 26,000 to 45,000
- Residential (sq. ft.) from 50,000 to 2,697,700
- TOTAL (sq. ft.) from 822,000 to 4,597,559
Above images by Built Form from Skyscraper Forum.
More public consultation and a formal public hearing will be initiated should council agree to move forward with the rezoning process.
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