The long-awaited construction of the first phase of the redevelopment of Arbutus Village could start in late spring of 2016 based on current timelines.
City council approved rezoning to allow for the mixed-use development on the seven-acre site back in July of 2011.
Larco Investments Ltd. is now seeking a development permit for phase one, which involves the northeast corner of the property where the existing parking lot is located. The application goes before the Development Permit Board Sept. 8.
A community open house about the project is set for June 25.
Art Phillips, Larco’s director of development, said Safeway will relocate into the new building once it’s constructed. It will also house a restaurant, some office space and 215 residential units, 100 of which are being dedicated to the city (50 senior units and 50 non-market rental units). Larco Investments will retain 115 units as rentals.
“We’re going to keep the mall open but we’re going to be demolishing the front façade of the northeast portion,” Phillips said. “It means taking about 20 feet off the front of the building of the existing entry. It will affect some tenants who will be relocating within the building.”
The redevelopment of the entire site will take place in three or possibly four phases, depending on what the market is like in 2020. Phillips said the first phase will take about two-and-a-half years to complete.
“We’re looking at ways in which to reduce the timeframe,” he said. “What will probably occur is the western portion of the development — in other words west of the Yew Street extension or what we refer to a phase C and D, will probably be combined into one phase.”
Phillips said he’s relieved the project is finally moving forward.
“It’s been a very long process. I know people are wondering what’s going on because of the number of phone calls I’ve been getting,” he said. “When you’re trying to keep an existing shopping centre open, it’s not an easy exercise.”
Doreen Braverman, a former president of the Arbutus Ridge Community Association, said the group had raised concerns during the rezoning phase — it didn’t want building heights to be over the four storeys stipulated in the neighbourhood’s official community plan. She noted the Briar apartments will lose views and sunlight. Members were also concerned about extending Yew Street into the property
“Also, Arbutus [Village] is supposed to be our neighbourhood centre but there is no covered areas for meetings and gatherings,” she told the Courier. “However, we have a chance to attend the public showing, so we shall see.”
The open house runs from 5 to 8 p.m. June 25, 2015 at Hellenic Community Centre Gymnasium, 4500 Arbutus St.
The applicant team and city staff will be on hand to answer questions.
There will be two models on display — one of the overall development, and one of the first phase.
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