Work has already begun on 10,000-seat Surrey hockey arena

It was a groundbreaking day in the City of Surrey on Thursday.

Ten weeks after announcing that the Vancouver Giants would move into a new 10,000-seat arena in Surrey, work has already begun at 10355 King George Blvd.

A building that once housed a Safeway is being demolished to make way for City Centre Arena. Vancouver Giants ownership, which includes Ron Toigo and Michael Bublé, was on hand for the momentous occasion, as were Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, members of Surrey City Council, and Giants players.

The City of Surrey

“We are thrilled to be part of the start of this amazing project: City Centre Arena and Entertainment District,” said Toigo. “I want to congratulate Mayor Locke and the council for their leadership in bringing this forward. This is going to change the face of Surrey like you’ve never seen before.”

Demolition and site preparation work are underway, with the arena and entertainment district expected to be completed by 2030. In addition to the arena, the project will include a luxury hotel, conference space, and residential development.

Artistic renderings of the Surrey City Centre Arena. (City of Surrey)

“This is an exciting step forward for one of the most significant city-building projects in Surrey’s history,” said Mayor Locke. “It’s a powerful reminder that big things are happening in Surrey and that our vision for City Centre is taking shape.”

The net cost is estimated to be $360 million, with the City of Surrey expecting it to generate $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade.

What the arena could look like some day. (City of Surrey)

The new Surrey arena will be the third home in Giants history. The WHL club began play in 2001 at the Pacific Coliseum, before moving to the Langley Events Centre in 2016.