When it opened in 1961, Brentwood mall was the mall in B.C., the largest and most modern retail hub in the region. But that was a long time ago, and other malls have since eclipsed it as a shopping destination.
Now there’s a proposal that could put it back on top.
A massive redevelopment of the site complete with retail and residential components.
Shape Properties, the developer, is proposing a master plan, which would transform the entire Brentwood site.
“Our primary job is to create a really mixed-use community, to take advantage of the hours of the Skytrain and make it a 24/7 place to be,” says lead designer and renowned Vancouver architect James Cheng.
He says the project is a huge opportunity for Burnaby — next to Metrotown, it would be the largest of the town centers.
The southwest corner at Willingdon and Lougheed would be the first area to be developed. That’s where a civic plaza would act as a centerpiece.
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“It will be right next to a Skytrain station, it will be surrounded by retail, restaurants and so on, and it has a great solar orientation…it will catch the light, so people can hang out.”
But what’s really capturing attention are the proposed 11 towers, two of which could be up to 70 storeys high, surpassing the tallest building currently in Vancouver, the 62-storey Shangri-la.
“To me, the most important thing is how the tower actually meets the ground. It is not about how tall it is. It is about when you walk around, what you see and what you feel.”
What people will feel is an indoor and outdoor shopping experience surrounded by restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues.
In fact, much of the blacktop that exists right now will be replaced by green space.
“Right now you see a big surface parking lot with a bunch of cars. You won’t see that,” says Burnaby city councillor Paul McDonell. “It is all going to be redeveloped. There are going to be fountains, trees, boulevards, benches for people to sit on… it is going to be beautiful when it is finished.”
And because the development is next to a Skytrain station, it’s hoped more cars will be off the street.
Right now, Burnaby is booming with development. All part of the plan to make the city attractive, livable and suitable for families.
SFU city programs director Gordon Price says Burnaby is really leading the charge.
“Good transit, they’ve got it. Good mix, they’ve got. A good street, a good feel – well, they are working on it. But all the elements are here,” says Price.
The development will take close to 30 years to complete.
A public hearing on the proposal will be held Tuesday evening at Burnaby City Hall.
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