“TransLink’s like the mafia — you can get in but you can’t get out and you  have to keep paying.”

Has Watts looked into options for Surrey to leave TransLink? It sounds like it.

“For the betterment of the region, (Gregor Robertson and I) should probably work on having a better working relationship.”

While it is known that Watts and Robertson operate on opposite sides of the political spectrum, and have previously butt heads on several issues, it is interesting to hear that they do not work together as closely as one might hope.

Dianne Watts says she will run for another term as Surrey mayor and prefers opportunity to build a city over provincial politics.

Watts had previously denied jumping into provincial politics, but as far as I know, this is her first official announcement of her intentions to run for the mayoralty next year, although it is hardly surprising.

Building Vancouver into a world-class city has been good for B.C., but we’re at the point where it has to stop being all about Vancouver — Watts.

Vancouver animosity has grown within the suburbs in recent years, especially within the Tri-Cities and the South of Fraser. It is obvious that a new regional relationship and balance between the core and the burbs will have to be developed within the next few years to ensure that the Metro remains competitive on the global stage. Unfortunately, based on Watts’ comments with regards to Vancouver Mayor Robertson, it does not seem as if Surrey is prepared to take the lead in shaping that regional future.

No question, transportation is THE biggest issue in Surrey, Watts says. Nearly 500,000 people, four SkyTrain stations.

Although it may be “the biggest issue,” Watts had little details to provide the live chat. Of the 17 questions posed, 4 were on transportation. Her responses to each were vague and sometimes contradictory:

Q: I hope you can speak out regarding the transportation in GVRD. This is important to Surrey.

A: Transportation continues to be a major issue for all communities south of the Fraser. We continue to work with TransLink and the provincial government to ensure the people south of the Fraser are served well.

Her response underlines Watts’ philosophy of partnerships. Rather than approach the transport deficiencies with a public outcry of dissent, she continues to prefer a cooperative and conciliatory method behind closed doors. While that approach has resulted in the expansion of some bus routes, with TransLink’s current budget woes, it is unlikely that Surrey will receive any further improvements in the near future without new funding agreements to ensure the City receives its fair share.

Q: You’re on record for supporting Light Rail in Surrey. I’m wondering what is being done to bring LRT to the City.

A: There is a significant lobby from south of the Fraser to use the existing interurban lines and light rail. Given Surrey’s vast size, we can have double the kilometres of track using light rail than we can have with SkyTrain.

Apparently, the only solid effort being made to improve transport is the work of rail supporters in the south Fraser. Unfortunately for the lobbyists, their work does not seem to have translated into political support. As you’ll see below, Watts no longer believes that Light Rail is the best option for the City.

Q: Why have we not pushed for the sky train to come up Fraser Highway and have a stop at 176th street?

A: We have been pushing for SkyTrain. The analysis is being done regarding routes currently. If you look at Fraser Highway, you will see an urban forest and down further, agricultural land. The thought is to densify around transportation corridors and you can’t do that within urban forest and agricultural land, so there is a challenge in that regard.

This was a common line by former Minister of Transport, Kevin Falcon, used to explain why he did not support the Interurban line. Overall though, it is a weak argument, as transport corridors, whether they are roads or rails, will undoubtedly travel through non-developable areas. This is even more of an issue in the south Fraser, as it is the location of most of the region’s agricultural land. These constrictions have not stopped us from building roads through these green zones however – why should rail transit be any different?

You can read the rest of the live chat archive over at The Province online.

The new Surrey City Hall will be an important public landmark within the new City Centre, it will be a catalyst for growth in the downtown and it will be an important destination for the citizens of, and visitors to, the City of Surrey.

One of the options that was developed for assessment purposes by Kasian/Moriyama & Teshima Architects. The Gateway Option builds on Surrey as a gateway to Canada and the Pacific and perhaps more importantly a gateway to a prosperous future. Design of the actual City Hall building and Plaza is currently underway. The design presents a strong architectural statement that is powerful and iconic symbolizing a strong and stable government but that is also welcoming, inviting people to witness and participate in the process of government and to enjoy the events and activities of the Civic Plaza.

As a side note, the new City Centre library is a separate project, with design underway by Bing Thom Architects. The two firms are ensuring the projects work in conjunction, but they are independent from one another.

Be sure to click on the images below for the full-sized versions. Read on for more pictures and analysis.

This image clearly shows a new design concept, with a linear park system cutting down the middle of the civic centre. Previous concepts have always coupled the new Civic Centre buildings around a new public plaza that would connect with the existing Central City plaza. In this design, a large amount of public space is created, and the new buildings would funnel people into this green commons.

The City Centre library is the light brown building on the bottom right, abutting University Drive. This concept continues to split the large plot of land into a finer street grid, and does not seem to show that either the bus loop or the existing Rec Centre would remain.

It is entirely possible that the first block, located closest to Central City, could consist of the City Hall building on the east and the SFU extension on the west, as previous concepts have proposed. This would leave the second block, which currently houses the bus loop and rec centre, untouched, until such time as development is ready to occur.

This image appears to continue to long term goal of activating City Parkway as a high street. To do so however, as the design shows, street level shops must open up under the SkyTrain guideway. This concept also shows potential integration of new buildings with the SkyTrain, similar to the VanCity building near Main St station. In the distance, two new towers appear to integrate seamlessly with SkyTrain, in the exact spot the current Surrey Central station is. Such a development could provide the funding required for a redesign of that station, a goal proposed as part of the Civic Centre plan.

This concept reveals the idea behind the linear park. The high street of City Parkway and the ceremonial street of University Drive are supposed to funnel pedestrians onto the liner park, which connects three nodes in the Civic Centre – the Cultural sector (Library and Performing Arts Centre), the Commons sector (possible Rec Centre area and additional park), and the Civic sector (City Hall and SFU) to the Central City mall and Holland Park in the south. This concept also demonstrates the new bus couplet – the blue line – which would ring about the Civic Centre in a more urban fashion that the existing suburban bus loop.

Civic Surrey has obtained a pre-release copy of the SCDC’s brochure outlining the Surrey Civic Centre Development. The project has been tossed around for years under various names, including Central City II or the new City Hall complex, but it appears as though this may be the final version of the plan.

The full document can be viewed and downloaded at the bottom of the post. Below are the main excerpts from the plan.

UPDATE: The Surrey City Development Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the City, has posted the brochure on its website.

The City of Surrey is continuing to build the Civic Centre Development Project with a $500 million investment to create a vibrant Surrey City Centre. The Civic Centre Development Project will include a new City Hall and Office building, additional space for Simon Fraser University, and a major civic plaza that will become the heart for Surrey’s outdoor events, celebrations and festivities. It will include a Performing Arts Centre with a 1,600 seat flexible theatre and a 250 seat studio theatre; a new Central Library; and, a mixed use building accommodating Hotel/Office facilities. As a part of creating a great, walkable, enjoyable City Centre, it will include a major beautification of King George Highway and significant upgrades to the current Skytrain Station and Bus Transit Exchange.

Sketch illustrates the overall architectural concept of combining City Hall (right), the Office Tower (centre) and Simon Fraser University (left) in one continuous curvilinear form that wraps around and strongly defines the civic plaza. From this form the tower rises above the Central City building making it the most prominent building in the core and a focus for Surrey. The tower form is organized around a central core and expressed with a cloak of spiraling glass.

The civic plaza will be the heart of Surrey where citizens can gather, meet, enjoy entertainment and celebrate special events. Three of the many potential daytime events could include an open air concert, winter ice skating and a summer fountain display with laser lights and music. There could also be mega-screen showings of special Surrey events and sports. When combined with the existing civic plaza in front of the Central City buildings the total public area could accommodate up to 10,000 people. Such a major public gathering could rely on the temporary closure of 102 Avenue.

The section through City Hall, the Office Tower and Simon Fraser University looking north illustrates: extensive retail will animate the civic plaza; the major City Hall departments are located on levels 2-4 which have the required large floor plates; the lower floors of the Office Tower will have smaller City Hall offices with the upper floors being available for City Hall expansion in the long term and potentially for commercial tenants in the shorter term. The heart of City Hall, the Council Chamber, is prominently located on level 2 at the easterly end of the building. There is a public view terrace and garden at the top of the Office Tower.

This site accommodates the Performing Arts Centre, Central Library and the potential for a Hotel/Office Tower. The site plan is predicated on four principles: locating the Performing Arts Centre furthest away from the noise source of the Skytrain; organizing the major pedestrian access to the Performing Arts Centre and Central Library on axis to the Skytrain Station: locating an entrance plaza that faces south and opens up to City Parkway; strongly defining the edge of City Parkway with built form and locating uses and activities that provide animation and visual interest. All buildings back onto an east-west lane which will provide good service access.

The sketch illustrates the overall architectural concept of combining the Performing Arts Centre and Central Library under one powerful curved floating roof form. The two civic buildings are encapsulated in distinct, transparent and unique curvilinear forms under the roof. The Hotel/Office Tower rises in the background.

The sectional perspective illustrates that the Central Library design concept is organized on one continuous gentle ramp to the top of the building and is wrapped around a central ground level public garden that can be viewed from all interior spaces. The Performing Arts Centre design concept is organized so that the 1,600 seat theatre and 250 seat studio theatre are supported by a common elegant and spacious lobby area and wrapped in a double glazed façade which acoustically protects the interior.

Sketch of King George Highway beautification showing expanded pedestrian sidewalks with a double row of trees and treed median, with potential development lining the streets. A new street beautification plan is proposed to enhance the image of Surrey City Centre and change the perception that King George Highway is not just a truck route. King George Highway should become a ‘boulevard’ with expanded sidewalks, more street trees, new street furniture and improved pedestrian crossings.

Plan illustrating the Skytrain Station with an extended platform to the north, and the Bus Transit Exchange on the east side of City Parkway. The Bus Transit Exchange block has expanded sidewalks for bus travelers and potential for new office development. When the Skytrain Station undergoes an expansion of the platform, the opportunity could arise for a complete redesign of the station.

Future street looking east along the Bus Transit Exchange.

City of Surrey Civic Centre Development Project

In December, it was reported that Concord Pacific, developer of the former Expo lands at False Creek, had entered into a preliminary agreement to take over the project.

“We hope to recommence construction on the project at the earliest possible time, and remove the uncertainty over this project,” said Cliff McCracken, senior VP of Concord.

“It is also our intention to work with the stakeholders and original buyers of this development and help them to complete the purchases of their homes.”

[via the Surrey Leader]

There has been no news since. But according to whispers and leaks from PriceWaterhouseCoopers – the firm handling the whole receivership process – Jung Developments has officially gone bankrupt and Concord will formally take over the project May 15th.

The Central City complex as originally envisioned by Bing Thom is only partially built. It actually sounded a lot like the 70 storey tower complex proposed near King George by the Berezen Group – Central City was to include a rooftop pool, three towers, a new library, and a performing arts centre. 

Of course, what was built was an addition to the mall, a multi-level parking garage, and one tower. 

Surrey First and the Mayor placed a major emphasis in their campaign that they would make significant public investments in the City Centre with the relocation of City Hall, a new library, a performing arts centre, and a museum – things promised for years under former Mayor Doug McCallum. 

Earlier this year, Linda Hepner was quoted in the Surrey Leader that Central City was looking to begin phase two, and that that new tower would possibly incorporate the new City Hall. 

The question in my mind is whether a phase two Central City tower, and a new City Hall multi-use tower are in and of the same thing. If so, and if all the plans are realized, this is going to be one hell of a large, mixed use high rise in the City Centre – City Hall, new library, new performing arts centre, new museum, new office space (apparently looking to be leased by both the provincial and federal governments). 

Stay tuned….

Click to view a larger version

There’s been discussions about extending 98B Ave as part of the Holland Pointe development, west of King George Highway. As some may know, the site you see above is set to become the area of a massive complex, including the famed 70 storey tower, developed by the Berezan Group. 

The 70 storey tower King George development

This image was found in the preliminary reports on a upgrade to the BC Parkway – a regional greenway that follows the Expo Line SkyTrain – initially built in the 80′s. 

Seems like a great upgrade to me. It will facilitate better vehicle movement through the space, which is absolutely horrific at the moment – both the Park and Ride and the Kiss and Ride facilities. Furthermore, it’ll put a safe crossing facility close to King George Station, facilitating better pedestrian, and cyclist, mobility between the SkyTrain station and Holland Park. As some may know, the City installed a fence along the median to prevent people from jaywalking across – meaning a pedestrian would have a long trip either north or south to get to the other side of King George. 

What the area currently looks like. Fenced barrier restricting pedestrian access to Holland Park...

Looking southeast from Braid SkyTrain Station in New West

The current skyline

The future skyline

The future skyline with the treeline coverup

Aerial looking north from around SMH

Current aerial

Aerial done by raggedy13 a while back

Latest future aerial with most recent approved/proposed developments

To get a handle on all these developments, I’ve put together an interactive Google Map, with links to the developer’s websites, sketches, and photos of construction. Take a sneak peek below, or view the full size version.

View Larger Map

And this doesn’t even include D’Cor, Access, Evo, the recently announced SFU Residences or the proposed urban office park near Gateway!

Hope you invested early!

Phase I of this 5 phase, 600,000 sq. ft. office park is scheduled for completion in early 2010 and will represent the cutting edge in sustainable and responsible design certified to a LEED Gold standard. The varying sizes of floor plates that will be found within the business park will cater to businesses large and small offering long term growth opportunity.

Located immediately adjacent to the Gateway SkyTrain terminal and to the existing Station Tower, in the heart of Surrey’s city centre, the Gateway Office Park will boast a central Lower Mainland location and transportation access that only a select few office locations in the Metro Vancouver can. The spectacular views and tranquil campus setting, complete with waterfall, solidifies Gateway Office Park has the most significant new development in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

[via Avison Young]

As far as I can tell, this development hasn’t officially been through any proposal process to the City. That said, it sounds like an excellent project, and certainly one that – along with the second tower of Central City – will bring a ton of office space to Surrey City Centre – in a time when Vancouver has it’s lowest office vacancy rate ever.

I love how the project is described as an office park. Just that, the term traditionally conjures up images of sprawled, auto oriented big box buildings. I think this project should rather be called an urban office park – one that incorporates high and mid-rise buildings, with leisure and recreational facilities, underground parking, and rapid transit access.

This project, along with CityPoint, Access, Evo, and a residential tower proposal to the north, will certainly fulfill Intrawest’s original vision for the area when it first invested in the area over a decade ago with the development of Station Tower, Cornerstone I, Cornerstone II, and The Observatory.