First West Credit Union is coming to South Surrey.

It was announced Friday afternoon that First West will open its head office location at the Morgan Creek Corporate Centre, at 303-15252 32 Ave.

First West Credit Union will officially be formed Jan. 1, 2010 through the merger of Envision Financial and Valley First credit unions.

"Confirming this corporate head office shows other credit unions that may be interested in joining First West... that our vision local decision-making is local markets is becoming a reality," said Valley First's acting-chief executive officer, Paulette Rennie.

The location was also chosen because os its proximity to Vancouver International Airport, which is important because of the travel necessary to support two operating divisions and to maintain First West’s continuing partnership with First Calgary Savings.

“Even though Envision and Valley First are merging, they’ll continue operating under their existing identities as First West divisions. A separate corporate head office is critical to support this unique business model,” says Envision president and chief executive officer Gord Huston. “This is an important step in establishing First West’s identity and brand while still retaining the individuality of Envision and Valley First.”

The merged credit union will offer members access to 37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland and the B.C. Interior. The credit union will have approximately $5.6 billion in assets under administration, 1,250 employees, and 167,000 members.

Tenant improvements to the head office are to begin shortly and the space will be ready for occupancy in December. The approximately five executives who will call the new offices home will move in over a period of several months as First West transitions to its new organizational structure and operating model.