[CoryHolmes]

So... what are they doing? Building onto the podium itself or just occupying more classrooms/space in the office tower?

Also, has anyone heard any new news about the two SFU residences being built on 103 Ave? Lately a sign has popped up in that area, offering land for sale.

[Whalleyboy]

So... what are they doing? Building onto the podium itself or just occupying more classrooms/space in the office tower?

Also, has anyone heard any new news about the two SFU residences being built on 103 Ave? Lately a sign has popped up in that area, offering land for sale.

the first is suppose to be finish in 2011 now instead of by 2010
http://www.students.surrey.sfu.ca/undergraduate/housing_transit

[metroXpress]

the first is suppose to be finish in 2011 now instead of by 2010
http://www.students.surrey.sfu.ca/undergraduate/housing_transit


I can confirm that it would be completed by 2011 (attended one of their conferences)

[CoryHolmes]

Less than two years to go from breaking the ground to opening? That'd be a fast build.

[mr.x]

Sweet.


How much bigger will the SFU Surrey academic campus get? I haven't read much into it, so I can only assume it'll be expanded if they're building dorms.

[surrey1]

Less than two years to go from breaking the ground to opening? That'd be a fast build.

the first phase is only 13 floors.


does anyone know where the expansion location is? is it going to be in the parking lot across the street..or are they renovating existing space?

[metroXpress]

any other renderings other than this:

http://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/files/spring2008/surreyres03-08.jpg

which is the future SFU Surrey Residence

[metroXpress]

the first phase is only 13 floors.


does anyone know where the expansion location is? is it going to be in the parking lot across the street..or are they renovating existing space?

Simon Fraser University has signed an agreement with Surrey Campus Residences Corporation to build a new residence at 103 Avenue and Whalley Ring Road
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/sfu-surrey-new-residence

I think it should be the parking lot.

[surrey1]

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/sfu-surrey-new-residence

I think it should be the parking lot.

i was refering to the 10 million expansion they recently announced. supposed to be 5000 sq meters which is about 50000 sq feet. was wondering where that was going to be located.

[Spork]

The new space will be in the existing podium. If you enter the campus up the grand staircase, you are in the mezzanine. If you look to your right, you will see student services. Behind that is an empty space called "podium 2". The library and more research space is in "podium 3", so it will be right underneath that. JP Morgan Chase takes up podium 4 and 5. I'm not sure how large SFU Surrey is right now, but I would guess that it is no more than a 10% increase in space.

It will be interesting to see how much space the campus gets in the new city centre development and how that will be paid for given the current limitation in provincial education funding.

[CoryHolmes]

The new residence won't be in the parking lot, it'll be across West Whalley in that plot of open ground.

[theQ]

Starbucks opens in Central City Mall

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/IMAGE_143.jpg

http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/IMAGE_144.jpg

(Pictures taken with my cell phone and linked from my photobucket)

[SpongeG]

why couldn't they have used one of the many empty stores for it?

looks good but doesn't help the mall feel full

[Whalleyboy]

I just found two new concepts

http://metrosurrey.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/central-concept.jpg

http://metrosurrey.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/central-concept2.jpg
pictures are hosted through me

[theQ]

Interesting concept. Where did you find these? Are they new or old? They sure don't include the modern looking city hall and SFU expansion - but the greenspace is nice, and the recreation centre is gone. It would make for a nice downtown area with greenspace up the middle... It would be nice to have so many office towers in the area as well.

[deasine]

Looks great. I love the SkyTrain guideway integration in this concept: this is what should be done all along the SkyTrain guidway, fully making use of the space available.

[Whalleyboy]

I came across them while looking on the city site and its from a presentation thing date today

[theQ]

I found this Q & A section on a blog about the new library. Of interest, the blog says they plan to start construction in the spring of 2010 (pretty soon) and open for the summer of 2011.

When will the new Library be open? We don’t have a firm opening date yet, but we anticipate it will be open in the summer of 2011.

Where will the new Library be located? The Library will be located near to the Surrey Central Skytrain station and north of the North Surrey Recreation Centre.

How big will the Library be? We are planning for a 65,000 sq. ft library.

Will the Library be a ‘green’ building? Yes, the Library will be built to LEEDS Gold standards.

Will the existing Whalley Library remain open during construction? Yes

Who is the architect for this project? The project has been awarded to Bing Thom Architects. This company is also responsible for designing the Central City Tower in City Centre. For more information, view their website at http://www.bingthomarchitects.com/

What are the Special features of the City Centre Library? The new library will offer expanded collections, a Literacy Centre that will include an electronic classroom for training purposes, small and large community meeting spaces, wi-fi access and many other services

How is the construction being funded? The funding for the new $30 million City Centre Library has been secured. The Library project has been selected as part of the federal stimulus package. Three levels of government, the City of Surrey, the Province of British Columbia and the federal government, will each contribute one third towards the cost.

Blog can be found at http://surreycitycentrelibrary.wordpress.com/

[officedweller]

I came across them while looking on the city site and its from a presentation thing date today

Hmmm...
Was the presentation related to the award of a contract (i.e. for the design of the City Hall Building? - or has that already been awarded to Bing Thom?)

I know the libarary has been awarded to Bing Thom, but is the City still looking at alternative concepts (by other architects) for the other civic buildings in the area?

[tybuilding]

So what happens to the arenas and pool in these plans?

[sryboy]

I found these pictures of the new Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Regional History Museum, and they kind of reminded me of the New Central City Library.

http://www.archdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/0402_dd-3d-pr_in02-090319_reduced-528x393.jpg

http://www.archdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/0402_dd-3d-pr_in01-090319_reduced-528x392.jpg

http://www.archdaily.com/30539/sports-hall-of-fame-and-regional-history-museum-trahan-architects/

[CoryHolmes]

While the greenspace is nice, I prefer the other preliminary drawings that have been thrown around. I like how they have the same general curve/deisgn as Central City, and they look like something other than the standard concrete rectangles that we're all used to.

[metroXpress]

^ I agree that we wouldn't have the curve design anymore but I do like more public space and the park. Perhaps we can have the cruve design on the other end of the park. :yes:

[Whalleyboy]

I'm also with everyone on this one i'm not to big of a fan of it. I like the recent plan thats out. Although i do wish it had a pond/skating rink thing like the orginal.

[theQ]

The city has published a survey on their website regarding the City Centre Library.

http://www.spl.surrey.bc.ca/About+Us/Branches+and+Hours/City+Centre+Update.htm

They are also asking for submissions of ideas for the new library
Help Design the New Library. Send us images, photos, words, ideas for the Ideas Book.

http://www.spl.surrey.bc.ca/NR/rdonlyres/EB264F91-143C-4329-B7DC-132C3E53A7A1/0/Ideasbook.pdf

[SpongeG]

curve designs are better has lets spots for the druggies to hide in

[nickinacan]

Not really an update, but the City of Surrey has added a "Surrey City Centre" section under the "Doing Business" tab. All it states on the page is that the information is "Coming Soon". I guess this means that we should be looking forward to some updates soon.

[Whalleyboy]

yeah thats been there for a couple months now dont get hopes up for anything on it too soon lol

[officedweller]

Looks great -
a bit more precast that I would expect, but it has presence (as opposed to an all glass structure).
Looks almost Middle Eastern...

Surrey has ambitious future in its sights
New city hall, plaza, arts centre, library, transit upgrades . . .

By Brian Lewis, The Province
January 14, 2010

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.theprovince.com/business/Surrey+ambitious+future+sights/2439535/2440943.bin?size=620x400
Architect Bing Thom's design for a new Surrey City Centre Library was greeted enthusiastically by Surrey civic leaders Monday. Mayor Dianne Watts calls Thom's concept 'stunning.'
Photograph by: Handout, for The Province

If we want a stronger Canada as well as stronger provinces, then our cities have to be stronger, too.

That's the way Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts sees it, even though our cities receive only about eight cents out of every tax dollar Canadians pay.

And from those few pennies, cities must fund a multitude of service costs, including big-ticket items such as police and fire protection.

The fiscal imbalance continues to tilt away from equilibrium as both senior governments continue offloading their responsibilities on to the most junior and least-powerful governance partner.

So it's all the more remarkable that Surrey is proceeding with its ambitious Civic Centre Development Project, which will provide B.C.'s fastest-growing metropolis with a new city centre to serve as the South of Fraser region's central business district.

It will include a new city hall and large civic plaza next to an expanded Simon Fraser University. There'll be new office towers, a performing arts centre and a new main library. There'll be upgrades to King George Highway and the nearby Skytrain system, plus a new bus exchange.

All this is about to happen adjacent to the existing one-million-square-foot, 25-storey Central City office tower and nearby Surrey Recreation Centre between 102nd and 104th avenues.

The first phase will be construction of the the Surrey Central Library.

Council on Monday saw new design sketches of this $30-million library by local award-winning architect Bing Thom. In an interview Wednesday, Watts described the designs as "stunning."

But the 65,000-square-foot library is under the gun time-wise, Watts explains, because it's a jointly funded project under Ottawa's fiscal-stimulation program and must be completed by March 31, 2011.

"The three levels of government are contributing $10 million each and now the next phase is to put the library out to tender," the mayor says.

Next on the agenda is relocating the existing 134,000-square-foot city hall at 14245 56th Ave. into a new city hall/office tower complex at the new city centre.

"We've simply outgrown the existing city hall's space," the mayor says. "We need at least 150,000 square feet in a new city hall, plus room to grow."

But Watts acknowledges that the new city hall, which is now in the design phase, will be far more than bricks and mortar to house city staff and council.

"The city has to take the lead here," she says. "If we expect the private sector to invest in our downtown core, then the city has to invest in the core as well."

The existing city hall will be either leased or sold to help fund the new premises, which will be developed as a city hall and office tower in conjunction with the private sector, Watts says.

The Civic Centre Development Project's final component will be a performing arts centre that will contain a 1,600-seat theatre and a 250-seat studio theatre.

Watts also says she's confident that the total project can be completed within several years--without serious impact on Surrey's tax levels, which are the currently the lowest within Metro Vancouver.

© Copyright (c) The Province

[theQ]

That's a good looking library! I can't wait until they release all the drawings (front, back inside etc.). I'm curious what the roof will be like from the top, it looks like it could be a grass covered roof like the Convention centre downtown. I'd like something that is aesthetically pleasing from the top, since everyone on the skytrain will be looking down on it...

[vansky]

beautiful joke

[theQ]

beautiful joke????

[PROSTSHOCKER]

Kind of disappointing in my opinion

maybe if there were more images of the model from different angles I'd change my opinion but so far it almost seems /worse/ than the preliminary render we've all seen. The design with its interesting window layout doesn't quite... fit the rectangular shape of the building.

I'm gonna let it grow on me. This is a first impression based on one photo. With the planned office tower on top/adjacent to it, it may suddenly come clear and be in context and thus look fantastic.

[vansky]

surrey obviously is a joke, if it was serious,where is the skyline...

[paradigm4]

surrey obviously is a joke, if it was serious,where is the skyline...

What an absurd comment. Tall towers do not make great cities - look at Toronto or Dubai.

Besides, it's a friggin library. Rarely are community services ever more than a couple storeys tall. Give me a break.

[mr.x]

What happened to the previous concept/design? I preferred the old one quite a bit more.

It's hard to make a firm judgment on this new design, we need an actual rendering.

[sryboy]

This design is part of a "bigger picture" I'm sure. This is only one piece of the puzzle.Once the other pieces are seen ie; city hall , conference centre etc,it will look spectacular. Look at the Ford centre downtown for instance. By itself its not much but overall it fits nicely with its surroundings. Give it a chance...

[paradigm4]

What happened to the previous concept/design? I preferred the old one quite a bit more.

It's hard to make a firm judgment on this new design, we need an actual rendering.

The old one was just a concept.

Considering this is a stimulus project and need to be done by spring 2011, I think BTA has come up with something decent. In consultations, they spoke about needing to begin construction before detailed design is even complete and how they needed to come up with architectural modifications in design and materials to help speed up with building process.

[CoryHolmes]

Considering this is a stimulus project and need to be done by spring 2011, I think BTA has come up with something decent. In consultations, they spoke about needing to begin construction before detailed design is even complete and how they needed to come up with architectural modifications in design and materials to help speed up with building process.

Yeah, that's the wicked part. To think that they have 13-odd months to start, manage, and complete construction is rather wild. If they pull this off, then Mayor Watts will have sent a serious message about what she plans for the the city centre.

[Whalleyboy]

go Watts go
lol

[theQ]

Here's another picture of the proposed library. I'm not attaching the picture, because it's not mine, but follow the link...

http://surreycitycentrelibrary.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/surrey-library-concept.jpg

[nickinacan]

Here's another picture of the proposed library. I'm not attaching the picture, because it's not mine, but follow the link...

http://surreycitycentrelibrary.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/surrey-library-concept.jpg

That looks anything but boring. Very institutional looking, which is what a library is anyways. I'd love to see the City Hall/SFU building and how it relates to this design. Maybe the tower will be a GIANT upside down pyramid? Or shaped like a leaf?

[mr.x]

That's a miniscule library for a city that will only grow.

[nickinacan]

That's a miniscule library for a city that will only grow.

Well considering the current Whalley Library is only 10,600 square feet, and this one will be 6 times larger at 65,000 square feet, I would hardly say it's miniscule. Take into consideration that the current library space in Surrey is 116,500 square feet. And it is not like they couldn't build a bigger one in the future. I can't really compare it to the Vancouver Public Library system in square footage as they do not provide these numbers, but apparently the Vancouver system has 395,000 members versus Surrey's 305,000.

[twoNeurons]

Anyone know the sq. footage of the Vancouver Library?

edit:
349,100 square feet
source (http://www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca/branches/generic/central_library_faq#facts)

[CoryHolmes]

Here's another picture of the proposed library. I'm not attaching the picture, because it's not mine, but follow the link...

http://surreycitycentrelibrary.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/surrey-library-concept.jpg

That's awesome. I mean, truely awesome. I think I may go to the library more often just for the privlage of seeing its design.

I also agree with others in that this would be a wicked addition to any SFU expansion that's on the books.

[vansky]

can't believe that thing is for surrey...

[twoNeurons]

Why not? They already have some of the nicest buildings in the Metro. Been thinking about this more. Won't SFU also have its own Library in the area? Also, how large was the old Vancouver Public Library's Central Branch at 750 Burrard?

[VanCvl]

I agree - I'm not worried about the library being undersized. I'd imagine that as SFU grows they would build their own library in close proximity.

[LeftCoaster]

I was unaware people in Surrey knew how to read.

[VanCvl]

I guess you didn't realize that the 65,000 square feet of space was for picture books.

[jlousa]

Leftcoaster, that's what this library is for, to teach the fine people of Surrey how to read. ;)

[Spork]

I agree - I'm not worried about the library being undersized. I'd imagine that as SFU grows they would build their own library in close proximity.

Indeed, with all of these planned campus expansions, the small library in there now will surely get outgrown soon. Heck, when I was at school there, it was even difficult to get a computer in the library! I would like to see the library at least twice the size of what it is now. However, perhaps if they can convince JP Morgan to move to a new tower, SFU Surrey will be able to steal 2 more floors in the podium for a new library (on one of the floors).

[CoryHolmes]

How much of the Ring Roads are going to be renamed? The maps all show the Ring Roads as extending from 108th Ave down to Old Yale Road.

So is it just the portions between 104 and 102 that are being renamed to Whalley Drive and University Drive, or is the whole street?

[paradigm4]

How much of the Ring Roads are going to be renamed? The maps all show the Ring Roads as extending from 108th Ave down to Old Yale Road.

So is it just the portions between 104 and 102 that are being renamed to Whalley Drive and University Drive, or is the whole street?

whole street

[VanCvl]

By Kevin Diakiw - Surrey North Delta Leader


Published: February 01, 2010 11:00 AM
Updated: February 01, 2010 2:28 PM

Surrey's largest library will be even bigger, as staff push to add another 15 per cent of space to the building.

And the project will now have underground parking, which means work will begin soon after the Olympics.

"Just about as fast as we can get into the ground, we're going to get into the ground," said Coun. Marvin Hunt, the city's representative on the library board.

Staff have recommended increasing the size of Surrey's new City Centre Library by 10,000 square feet, bringing the total square footage to 75,000.

The cost of putting in the extra space will be $6 million, which staff say could be borrowed, either internally or through the Municipal Financing Authority.

The total cost of the library will now be $36 million, with $20 million coming from federal and provincial grants.

Similar to a strategy implemented for Vancouver's main library, the extra space would be leased out to commercial ventures for a period to offset the costs.

Twenty years after its construction, Vancouver's library is planning to reclaim the commercial space for library use.

Hunt said it's anticipated that Surrey's library would move into the extra space in a decade.

Surrey's library, which will be located near the North Surrey Recreation Centre and Simon Fraser University, will be complete next year.

Shopping for collections has already started, beginning with popular books that may soon be out of print.

Surrey will spend $1 million in the next year and a half to build the collection. Books from the existing Whalley library branch, which is scheduled for closure, will go to the new facility.

Chief librarian Beth Barlow is also looking at creating partnerships with Simon Fraser University regarding the potential for seminars.

Staff are also requesting input from the public regarding the design and features that should be included in the new library.

A poll for Surrey residents is posted at www.surrey.ca and a website has been set up at www.surreycitycentrelibrary.wordpress.com. At that site, residents can share ideas, or send photographs of their favourite libraries, which will be shown at this flickr gallery http://www.flickr.com/photos/45375763@N03/show/.

And library officials also want to hear residents' ideas.

Through the Ideas Book project, Surrey Public Library and Bing Thom Architects are gathering ideas, photos and drawings from the citizens of Surrey about what inspires them about libraries and what they would like to see in the new City Centre Library. These images and ideas can be from Surrey’s past, present, or future and from around the world.

Citizens are encouraged to e-mail their submissions to ideasbook@surrey.ca. For those in need of technical assistance to submit their entries electronically, they can visit any branch of the Surrey Public Library. Submission details are available on the City Centre library’s blog: surreycitycentrelibrary.wordpress.com, on the library’s website at www.spl.surrey.bc.ca or at any branch of the Surrey Public Library.

kdiakiw@surreyleader.com

[CoryHolmes]

It's February first already. Has anyone seen the new street signs yet? They weren't on as of Monday morning.

[Whalleyboy]

pictures from the surrey library facebook page to lazy to see what ones have been posted
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs168.snc3/19564_308893659433_284980779433_4492202_2336649_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs168.snc3/19564_308893629433_284980779433_4492199_5917142_n.jpg\

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs168.snc3/19564_308893639433_284980779433_4492200_3740104_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs168.snc3/19564_308893649433_284980779433_4492201_7648823_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4492202&id=284980779433&fbid=308893659433#!/album.php?aid=180068&id=284980779433

[officedweller]

I wonder if they've thought about noise echoing up the atrium?
Apparently the Toronto Reference Library has problems with that..

[theQ]

I love it, it's great! I wonder how much it'll change now that the city is wanting to add 15,000 square feet to it. Will it be the same design but bigger? The article mentioned that they're going to put retail into it, I wonder where that'll be?

Those pics are great though, I hadn't seen one of the inside yet.

[mr.x]

The atrium sure does look great!

[sryboy]

I was talking to a friend of mine who is enrolled at the Emily Carr school on Granville island and she mentioned that they was talk about satellite campus in central Surrey. I wonder if that will be in the extra space at the new library...

[vanman]

The atrium looks really good. Hopefully they can resolve the possible noise issues without eliminating it altogether. Actually if they filled in the atrium it would probably make up the extra 10,000 sqft of of new space without adding to the footprint of the building. Maybe that's the plan?

[officedweller]

That would really compromise the design though... maybe baffles and partitions?

[vanman]

How does the Toronto library you mentioned deal with noise?

[BCPhil]

How does the Toronto library you mentioned deal with noise?

"Shhhhhhhh, eh?"

[nickinacan]

"Shhhhhhhh, eh?"

:tup:

The design looks great. I don't think that the model does it any justice so we will have to see some renderings. But so far so good. And since Diane Watts has now stepped down from the Translink Mayors Council, I wonder how fast things will progress with other projects...

[VanCvl]

The interior view of the model looks wicked. I'm excited to see the final design with the material choices. Looks like BTA will deliver another great piece of architecture to Surrey Centre.

[officedweller]

I don't know if they are doing anything about noise.
I just recall it being mentioned somewhere as an issue.

Info in the Metro Toronto Central Reference Library revitalization project:
http://www.revitalizetrl.ca/about_re_vitalize.php

This pic of the Metro Toronto Central Reference Library (from its website, above)
probably looks similar to what the Surrey one will look like:
http://www.revitalizetrl.ca/images/pic_re_connect.jpg

[SpongeG]

with all the news in the world today

Global 11 pm news opens with Surrey Future town plan...

wow

[Vonny]

The interior view of the model looks wicked. I'm excited to see the final design with the material choices. Looks like BTA will deliver another great piece of architecture to Surrey Centre.

tonight the architect, Bing Thom, was presenting the library project at the TownShift exhibition inauguration (Surrey CityCenter), with additional rendering (pretty nice): he was mentioning his intention to have the ceiling treated with wood panel (to be more accurate he would like work with Plywood)...
If you go the Surrey City center Atrium, you will see that the noise is pretty well absorbed by the material (wood too).

[Whalleyboy]

i heard bing thom also was saying "Vancouver is in decline, will become resort town like Whistler and suburb to future Surrey" lol

[Whalleyboy]

just found this
At the Feb. 1, 2010 City Council meeting, approval was given for an extra $6 million for the City Centre Library. This will allow for design and construction of an additional 10,000 square feet of space, resulting in a building of approximately 75,000 square feet. The additional space means that future expansion of the Library will be much easier.

The final determination of exactly how much of the building will be completed for Library use is still pending until the exact costing has been determined. Whatever space is not finished for immediate library use will be leased.

Council also approved the construction of one level of underground parking. Additional parking will be constructed as part of the City Centre development project.
http://surreycitycentrelibrary.wordpress.com/

[officedweller]

tonight the architect, Bing Thom, was presenting the library project at the TownShift exhibition inauguration (Surrey CityCenter), with additional rendering (pretty nice): he was mentioning his intention to have the ceiling treated with wood panel (to be more accurate he would like work with Plywood)...
If you go the Surrey City center Atrium, you will see that the noise is pretty well absorbed by the material (wood too).

Good to hear.

[theQ]

The Surrey Development Corporation just released the new plans for the Civic Centre on their website (within the last hour). There are many changes to the previous plan that had been prepared by Bing Thom.

City Hall
The new plan calls for City Hall to be located on 104th avenue instead of opposite to the Central City Tower. This will form a outdoor plaza area bounded by city hall and the new library. An email I received from the Surrey Development Corporation said they hope to start building late 2010 or early 2011.

I liked the idea of City Hall being opposite the Central City Tower, HOWEVER, the ugliest part of the whole block is the old run down plazas on 104th where the City Hall will relocate. It'll be great to have those GONE.

Recreation Centre
In the new site plan, there is no recreation centre, the plan shows commercial buildings and a green space where the recreation centre is presently located. Of course, since it's part of a later phase (not city hall or the library) I'm sure it'll stay around for a while to come.

Transit Boulevard
The plan shows the development of a new "transit boulevard" between the library and the present day ice rink. The city has made it known for a long time that they want to develop a newer urban-style road system in the downtown core instead of the large surburban road grid. This will be a welcome addition.

SFU Expansion
The plan calls for three buildings that are designated "SFU". I wonder if SFU is planning to expand this much in Surrey? Or if this is wishful thinking. It would be great though...

Performance Art Centre
The email I received said that the Performance Arts Centre is still in the plans, but it'll be built at a later stage.

Residential
The plan seems to indicate residential highrises. I'm wondering if the city is planning to sell condos to finance further development?

Skytrain Station Upgrade? Sports Arena?
The introduction to the brochure says " The urban lifestyle will be supported by the addition of entertainment and cultural facilities including performing arts venues, galleries, sports arenas, libraries and recreation, community centres and additional retail, restaurant and entertainment venues. "

And also
"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."

My Thoughts...
I'm actually quite happy with these plans. They don't seem "pie-in-the-sky" at all, but quite achievable. I think the block will look quite attractive once the ugly strip malls are torn down and replaced with the city hall, and once the library is built. Even if the plan halts at that point (for a while) it'll be a great improvement over what we have now.

Civic Centre
http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/civiccentre.jpg

Site Plan
http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/siteplan.jpg

City Hall (with Rec Centre still in model)
http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/cityhall.jpg

Green Space
http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae145/krohnk/greenspace.jpg


Download the new brochure at:
http://www.surreycitydevelopment.com/pdf/SCDC_Booklet_Feb2010.pdf

[officedweller]

Nice.

Having two "anchors" spaced apart but still close to the SkyTrain sttaion will improve the street life more than clustering the immediate new development near Central City.

I like the large sheltered plaza that seems to be next to City Hall.

I wonder how this meshes with Skytrain to Guildford or LRT to Guildford? (i.e. 104th corridor?)

[CoryHolmes]

HOWEVER, the ugliest part of the whole block is the old run down plazas on 104th where the City Hall will relocate. It'll be great to have those GONE.

Gotta disagree with you, there. The ugliest part are those strip-malls on 135 Street, across from the Skytrain. The shops in there aren't that bad (which is like saying strichnyne isn't as bad as plutonium) but they are by far the more annoying eyesore.

It will be nice when they're all gone, though :)

Residential
The plan seems to indicate residential highrises. I'm wondering if the city is planning to sell condos to finance further development?

I wouldn't be surprised if this was the SFU residence towers we've heard so much about but not recently. There's a sign on the property they own on 103 & Universtiy about high-rise land for sale. With this new site plan, it makes me wonder if SFU is trying to get rid of it and will build closer to the new plans.

My Thoughts...
I'm actually quite happy with these plans. They don't seem "pie-in-the-sky" at all, but quite achievable.

Again, I have to disagree with you. I prefered the "pie in the sky" deal, it made it seem like Surrey was reaching for something grander than your usual average concrete rectangle. While this will be an enormous improvement over what we have now, it just isn't as awe-inspiring as the previous designs. This is still my favourite of the bunch:

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu63/CoryHolmes/c2_0091.jpg

[Distill3d]

I'm wondering, with all these SFU developments in Surrey, why Surrey doesn't just develop its own university and call it University of Surrey (or something obvious like that)?

[theQ]

The strip mall on 104th has the "Best Time Spa" which, as near as I can tell isn't a "spa", and a methadone pharmacy. I'll be very happy when those are gone!

Here's a quote from Diane Watts from the Globe and Mail last year.
"There are areas I want to blow up," the 50-year-old Ms. Watts, who has a poised, stylish political persona, said in reference to pieces of a parking lot, strip malls and a bus exchange far in the shadow of the 25-storey tower.
I guess instead of blowing them up, she decided to buy them...


I liked the "pie-in-the-sky" plans too, they reminded me of Dubai! But nothing was being built. I live two blocks away, and I'm in favour of any plans that are concrete and that they'll actually build. These plans look quite realistic, and I was happy to hear that they plan on starting at the end of the year.

It'd be great if the residential plans were for SFU residences, I hadn't thought of that. After reading your post (CoryHolmes) I noticed in the rendering of the new city hall, the one that shows the existing rec centre still in background, there is a high-rise directly east of the new library. Maybe that'll be the first SFU residence...

[SpongeG]

I'm wondering, with all these SFU developments in Surrey, why Surrey doesn't just develop its own university and call it University of Surrey (or something obvious like that)?

the province can only create universities surrey has two i guess - kwantlen and SFU

[CoryHolmes]

the province can only create universities surrey has two i guess - kwantlen and SFU

Also because right now, AFIK, SFU Surrey doesn't have any of the "core" classes that most universities offer. Isn't it just part of their advanced mathematics/computer degrees?

[Whalleyboy]

plus theres already a university of surrey out there=P

[Whalleyboy]

also i want to know where is my out door skating rink!=P

[theQ]

also i want to know where is my out door skating rink!=P

It's at Holland Park right now, but only for another 5 days :)

[Whalleyboy]

thats plastic....
i want a real ice one

[Spork]

Also because right now, AFIK, SFU Surrey doesn't have any of the "core" classes that most universities offer. Isn't it just part of their advanced mathematics/computer degrees?

Computing Science, Interactive Arts & Technology, Engineering, Arts, Business Administration.

I don't know what "core" you would be referring to, but SFU Surrey is a remarkable university arm as it is, and can only get better. In my 5 years at SFU, I took all but maybe 5 classes (in a 132 credit degree, or ~40 classes) at SFU Surrey, and enjoyed every minute of it. The classes and professors were better than at the Burnaby campus, and the atmosphere was one of collaboration, community, and passion for one's work.

[worldwide]

thats plastic....
i want a real ice one

theres a time and a place for everything... and its called Dubai.

i would hope they are smart enough not to build an outdoor skating rink in surrey. that would be a colossal waste of energy and resources

[invisibleairwaves]

I like it, and I'm glad to see things moving along. Just as long as council doesn't forget that Surrey exists beyond the City Centre area...

Upgrades to the SkyTrain station? Let's hope they'll be proactive and extend the platform. I'm not totally sold on this "transit boulevard" thing though...it might just be the rendering, but looks kinda tight considering the usage the bus loop gets and the number of routes it serves. But if they can make it work (and allow for articulated buses :D ) then I'm all for it.

[Whalleyboy]

theres a time and a place for everything... and its called Dubai.

i would hope they are smart enough not to build an outdoor skating rink in surrey. that would be a colossal waste of energy and resources

i think it would be a great add on look how much attention the one downtown is getting
plus it would only be for winter

[CoryHolmes]

I don't know what "core" you would be referring to,
I was referring to first-year English classes, the biologies and chemistries, etc. But as I haven't been to any SFU class, I can't really say for sure what's going on.
The classes and professors were better than at the Burnaby campus, and the atmosphere was one of collaboration, community, and passion for one's work.
Zing! :banana:
Just as long as council doesn't forget that Surrey exists beyond the City Centre area...
... say what again? MORE to Surrey? What sort of madness is this?:koko:

[tybuilding]

thats plastic....
i want a real ice one

The skating track at the O zone is pretty cool! I agree it would be cool to have something like Robson Square. But it has faced so much difficulty in the past staying open.

[CoryHolmes]

I don't know if this has anything to do with the recently announced plans, but demolition of that ugly building on University Drive behind the library and across a mini-parking lot from the Rec Centre has started.

I've lived in Central City for over 8 years now (yikes!) and I don't know if that "professional centre" has ever been occupied or whatnot, but I'm glad to see it going away.

[paradigm4]

I don't know if this has anything to do with the recently announced plans, but demolition of that ugly building on University Drive behind the library and across a mini-parking lot from the Rec Centre has started.

I've lived in Central City for over 8 years now (yikes!) and I don't know if that "professional centre" has ever been occupied or whatnot, but I'm glad to see it going away.

thats where the new library is being built soon

[SpongeG]

global TV just ran a story about that big design thing surrey was running

video should be online soon if you missed it - some interesting ideas

[theQ]

I don't know if this has anything to do with the recently announced plans, but demolition of that ugly building on University Drive behind the library and across a mini-parking lot from the Rec Centre has started.

I've lived in Central City for over 8 years now (yikes!) and I don't know if that "professional centre" has ever been occupied or whatnot, but I'm glad to see it going away.

That medical/professional building was occupied. I have a friend who went to the Chiroporactor there (Dr. Maxwell), I know it was occupied as late as a couple of months ago... I'm curious if the Lordco store is going to remain, or be demolished as well. I noticed it's still open. From the site plan, it looks like the library is supposed to take up that space as well. I'm glad to see that they've started demolishing in preparation for building our new library.

[CoryHolmes]

I'm glad to see that they've started demolishing in preparation for building our new library.

"Starting"? They've already finished :) When I walked to Central City earlier today the demolition was finished and a lifter was piling the debris into a dump truck. This bodes well to get that library started (and finished) in time to quality for the federal funding.

[MechMike]

Im so confused ive been looking all over this thread and I dont know which renderings are the newest right now :(

a page number would suffice :)

[Whalleyboy]

page 19 the ones post by theq

[whalley13]

Lordco will be prolly be sucked up into the new city hall when it starts up

[Whalleyboy]

they should move to the new building on 102 ave