36 storeys planned for Semiahmoo

It’s not just a facelift scheduled for the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre – rather total reconstructive surgery – if preliminary plans by a property developer go through.

Bosa Development Corp., which bought the mall in 2002, wants to build “1,160 dwelling units in six commercial/residential towers, between 18 to 36 storeys high, an eight-storey office building and a number of four-storey commercial residential buildings,” according to a notice received by area residents from the City of Surrey last week.

“Obviously, it’s a great shock to hear that they’re talking about such high buildings – 36 and 34 storeys – and I guess from a personal point of view, my main concern is the probable loss of the Semiahmoo Mall, which is important to the local population from a social point of view,” said resident David Cann, who is also president of the Semiahmoo Residents Association. “From what I can ascertain, there’s grave doubts as to whether there’s going to be a significant inside mall area.”

However, according to Richard Weir, Bosa’s vice-president of real estate development, those with concerns about losing the mall as a social gathering spot needn’t worry.

“We’ve included a very extensive and climate-controlled food court area,” Weir said, adding the development company is very aware of the role the mall plays with seniors in the area.

He said none of the changes will happen overnight, and it will be at least three years before construction starts on the ground level of the multi-phased development, which also includes land surrounding the shopping centre.

Aside from the mix of residential and commercial spaces, there will be city streets running through the site and a one-acre public park that connects to the Semiahmoo trail system.

Weir said his company hopes to retain Zellers and PriceSmart as the anchor stores in the new development, along with most of the existing tenants. The retail stores won’t leave their current spaces until the new stores are built, which means there won’t be disruption to the services they provide. Plans for the indoor climate-controlled area will include a food court, seating area, big-screen TVs and a waterfall.

“What we are striving to do is create is a community gathering place,” Weir said.

Although Surrey Coun. Judy Villeneuve hasn’t yet seen Bosa’s redevelopment plans, she says the area needs to be revitalized to keep it competitive, especially with the growth of new shopping areas in Surrey.

“If anything, it will enhance the viability of the Semiahmoo Mall because it will get more traffic,” Villeneuve said.

Bosa will be hosting a public information meeting May 22, Weir said. The time and place haven’t been determined but are to be advertised and notices sent to residents living within 100 metres of the development site, according to the city.

Questions or concerns regarding the Bosa development can be directed to Surrey planning representatives Gertrude Kwan at 604-591-4129, or Ron Gill at 604-591-4773.