The first phase of a new development that aims to transform downtown Richmond could break ground as early as two to three years from today.
Jim Cox, executive vice-president for Vanprop Investments, said his company is in the early stages of presenting a plan to the City of Richmond, to redevelop the 50-acre Lansdowne Centre site it owns.
“We expect to build several phases while the mall stays open,” said Cox of the plan that is expected to take up to 20 years to complete.
“Eventually, the mall will be replaced but we’ll have as much retail in the new development as we have now,” said Cox.
The basic concept of the development is outlined in the city’s Official Community Plan to 2041.
Cox said the idea is to create a development that acts as the “heart for Richmond.”
The site will accommodate commercial retail as well as high and medium density residential developments.
Cox said the company is willing to work with the city to build a new, 10-acre park (in exchange for densification), as well as a large public plaza.
“It will be much more street-oriented,” said Cox, who expects the site to be divided by two new north-south roads (likely extensions of Cooney Road and Hazelbridge Way) as well as a new east-west road, connecting No. 3 Road and Kwantlen Street.
Cox said the idea to divide the site with more streets is to provide for more transportation, but also to promote a more pedestrian-friendly area.
One of the things we’re really trying to do is create a place where people go out and explore,” said Cox.
Vanprop Investments and city planners will have to look into the future when creating a master plan for the site.
For instance, Cox noted automobile use could change; cars could be automated or use of them could fall, particularly in and around the site, which is adjacent to the Canada Line.
The redevelopment will serve as an important link for Richmond residents as Lansdowne Road, which runs along the southern portion of the site, is to act as a transit and pedestrian link between the Garden City Lands and the Richmond Olympic Oval, as well as a planned waterfront park.
Lansdowne represents one-sixth of the downtown, or City Centre area where the city projects to have 31,000 residents living by 2041.
The city’s 2041 conceptual (OCP) area plan shows the park along Lansdowne Road, residential towers to the west, and medium-density developments in the central and eastern portions of the lot.
Cox said the OCP is a guide and some details could change.
Last January, city spokesperson Ted Townsend called the plan “conceptual” and said that how the site is specifically developed will depend on the rezoning process.
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