From the extensive coverage by multiple media outlets, it appears that the BMR has created significant interest as many residents of Brentwood Park came out to express their views on the project last night at Burnaby City Hall. The ambitious plan will see the tallest towers in Metro Vancouver built along with a massive retail and entertainment expansion. I was happy to see that residents expressed their concern about traffic through Brentwood Park, especially the always precarious intersection at Beta & Brentlawn where near-accidents are a daily ocurrence. The verdict appears to be a nearly 50-50 split in terms of support for the project. Although concerned about the traffic through Brentwood Park, I am in favour of the scale of the BMR as the City and neighborhood looks to the future of increased human and commercial actvity around transit zones.
Articles covering the Public Hearing below:
Burnaby's Brentwood development could nearly double neighbourhood population
JANAYA FULLER-EVANS - BURNABY NOW
TUESDAY, AUG 28 2012 20:00:00 -04:00
Burnaby council chambers was packed for Tuesday night's public hearing on the master concept plan for the Brentwood Town Centre site, with people gathering outside the doors to hear the proceedings. The proposed development is divided into four phases and would include 10 residential towers possibly ranging in height from 20 to 70 storeys, depending on their location, and two office towers ranging in height from 30 to 40 storeys. The design also includes a redeveloped commercial centre, a 50,000-square-foot food store, and a variety of public outdoor spaces. The plan divides the 11.5-hectare site at 4515 and 4567 Lougheed Hwy. into four quadrants for development, with the first phase including the two residential towers that could range in height from 45 to 70 storeys at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Lougheed Highway. One by one, concerned residents and those interested in the planning process spoke to Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, city councillors and staff. Mark Tyson, who lives on Fairlawn Drive near the mall, spoke first, saying he did not oppose redeveloping the mall, but he was concerned about the possibility of the 70-storey towers included in the master plan. He was also worried about the increase of traffic in the busy neighbourhood, he said, as "rat-racers" are already a problem along Willingdon Avenue. Donald Copan, who lives on Highlawn Drive, shared some of the same concerns as Tyson, adding that traffic at the intersection of Beta Avenue and Brentlawn Drive is especially unsafe. "If there's an accident or death, it'll be at Brentlawn and Beta," he said. Eric Anderson, who has lived in the neighbourhood since 1953 and referred to himself as "a charter member of Brentwood," said the neighbourhood could not accommodate that many new residents. "A development at this scale is crazy," he said. There were some questions about the scope of the project, such as how many people would be added to the neighbourhood once it is completed. Lou Pelletier, Burnaby's director of planning and building, said the anticipated number of residential units for the Brentwood site is between 2,000 and 4,200, with approximately 2.1 people expected per unit, meaning it could house up to 8,400 people. The current population count for Brentwood is 10,000, he said, while the capacity in the town centre plan for the area is 50,000. Corrigan addressed some of the concerns brought forward, specifically about traffic in the area. While the developer is working to address traffic issues connected directly with the site in the planning stages, the traffic problems in the neighbourhood overall fall under the city's jurisdiction, he reminded those attending the hearing. The city is currently working on a transportation plan to deal with issues such as locals having access to their neighbourhoods, and commuters cutting through those neighbourhoods to get to Vancouver, according to Corrigan. "Whenever anybody asks me what's the biggest issue in Burnaby, I tell them, 'it's traffic,'" he said. Most speakers who opposed the project said they supported redeveloping the site, albeit on a smaller scale. And a near-equal number of people came forward to speak in favour of the project, including David Pereira. Pereira, who completed his master's in urban studies at Simon Fraser University, said he wrote his thesis on the history of Burnaby's town centres. The town centres in Burnaby - particularly Metrotown - have the highest density in the region, he said, and Metrotown also has the highest transit ridership. "This plan is a long-awaited project," Pereira said, adding that the plan to make Brentwood a high-density neighbourhood has been on the books for 46 years. Jeanne Fike, speaking on behalf of Burnaby Family Life, said the community organization also supports the project and hopes to continue to consult with the developer on how it will benefit the community. "We think this is a tremendous opportunity of doing things differently from the past, she said. Darren Kwiatkowski, executive vice-president of Shape Properties, which owns Brentwood Town Centre, was also at the hearing. He addressed some of the concerns brought forward at the hearing in a follow-up phone interview with the NOW on Wednesday. "To put things into perspective, the site is 28 acres," he said. "The actual density being proposed is in line with what city planning policies support for the property." Burnaby has made it clear that it plans to make town centres, particularly those near SkyTrain stations, high-density areas for more than 20 years, he pointed out. The designers went with the tall-building plan to allow more light and space on the site, and avoid a clustered development with lower buildings, Kwiatkowski said. The tallest towers are purposely planned to be as far from the residential homes near the northern edge of the property, and as close to the SkyTrain, as possible. As far as traffic goes, the development design includes plans to manage the roadways on the property to avoid impacting surrounding neighbourhood, he said. "We are extending the urban street network through our site," Kwiatkowski said, mentioning Halifax Street and Alpha Avenue will continue onto the property as private roads. Next, Burnaby city staff will compile a report on the hearing, which will go back to council. Council will then decide whether or not to approve the master concept plan. Following that, each development phase will also go through public hearings before the parcels can be rezoned, and Shape Properties has committed to conducting more consultation with stakeholders and residents as things develop. (Burnaby Now)
Towers in ambitious plan to redevelop Burnaby mall would be tallest buildings in B.C.
BY FRANK LUBA, THE PROVINCE AUGUST 28, 2012
A conceptual plan for a massive redevelopment of Brentwood Town Centre that would include 11 residential towers, including two that could be up to a staggering 70 stories, went into the public hearing stage Tuesday in Burnaby. If built to the limit, the tallest towers would have more stories than anything in the province. Vancouver’s tallest building is the 62-storey Shangri-La, with the proposed Telus residential tower next tallest at 53 storeys. The concept is supported by Burnaby staff and had enough backing on the city’s council to get first reading and advance to the hearing stage. That allows residents to weigh in on the Shape Properties Corp. proposal that would drastically transform the 11.5 hectares that is now Brentwood Mall on Lougheed Highway, along with an adjacent site that was formerly a gas station at 4515 Lougheed. In addition to the residential towers, which would range from 20 to 70 stories, Shape’s concept is for two stand-alone office buildings ranging from 30 to 40 stories. There would also be townhouses ranging from two to four stories, plus general retail, large format anchor retail, restaurant and service commercial. A food store that would be about 4,650 square metres or 50,000 square feet would be located on a High Street for both pedestrians and vehicles that would go through the centre of the site. Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan has to wait for the public to have its say on the mega-project, which a staff report said “would be developed under approximately 16 sub-phases over a period of 30 years.” But Corrigan said the concept being proposed is what is envisioned for spots by transit like the nearby Brentwood SkyTrain station. “That’s what SkyTrain development is all about,” said Corrigan. “That’s the whole idea behind having mass transit systems like SkyTrain, to create very high densities around stations in order to make the lines useful. “Burnaby has been particularly good at that,” he said, referring to the Metrotown development. Tsur Somerville of the Sauder School of Business was skeptical the development will end up with all the density that’s proposed in the concept. “It’s easy to see why the concept could be successful at that location and it would include density,” said Somerville, director of the University of B.C.’s Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate. “Having said that, how much office space you get, at what density, and how high the residential buildings end up going if you don’t cap them, I would be surprised if the office buildings and the residential buildings hit the maximum limits presented in the plan,” he said. If Shape gets through this stage of the process, there will have to be more public hearings and approval for specific development proposals. Shape Properties was formed in 2005, according to its website, and has a portfolio of 11 major properties with approximately 3.1 million square feet on 335 acres. The company was contacted for this story but didn’t respond. If approved, the website suggests the project will begin “unfolding” in the spring of 2013. fluba@theprovince.com twitter.com/frankluba
Worries over height and traffic with Burnaby tower proposal
Development plan at Brentwood Town Centre could be 70 storeys high Joanne Abshire, August 29, 2012 BURNABY (NEWS1130)
- People in Burnaby gathered last night to weigh in on plans for a development that includes huge towers at Brentwood Town Centre. Longtime city councillor Nick Volkow says for the most part, reception has been fairly positive. He says most people like the idea of turning the old mall into a new and improved entertainment and shopping district. Brentwood, when you look at it, is one of the oldest subdivisions and earliest malls in Canada, not just Western Canada. People say it's a little tired... people are looking to see what's going on. I mean, the whole area has been in a real fundamental transition in the last five years," says VolkAow. But he points out some are worried about transportation and the tall towers. If things go as planned for the Shape Properties, a few buildings could reach up to 70 storeys. "The concerns that people have... one obviously is going to be the traffic issue. Secondly, some people raise issues in regards to the potential height of two of the buildings," explains Volkow. "Lougheed and Willingdon intersection, that corridor is no more or no less congested than the King George Highway, or Cambie and Oaks Street in Vancouver or anywhere else, so that's an argument that's not going to sway me too much," he argues. Volkow adds many people are in favour of the complex because it's right beside rapid transit. A lot of people welcome the continuing growth in the neighbourhood, as he says the plan will revitalize one of the oldest shopping areas in Burnaby. (News 1130)
Coming soon to a suburb near you: highrise development
BY JENNY LEE, VANCOUVER SUN AUGUST 29, 2012 9:07 PM
Highrise towers are no longer solely a downtown Vancouver phenomenon. Highrise towers are no longer solely a downtown Vancouver phenomenon. Developers are building and proposing highrise buildings along transit corridors in Burnaby and Surrey. In fact, the highest building in B.C. could some day be in Burnaby if an ambitious plan by Shape Properties at Brentwood Town Centre is approved. Burnaby council is considering a conceptual master plan by Shape Properties, owner of Brentwood Town Centre, to redevelop the site with an 11.5-hectare project that includes two residential towers of 45 to 70 storeys over the next five years, with as many as nine more towers ranging from 20 to 55 storeys over the next 20 to 30 years. Two 30-40 storey office towers are also in the plan. Shape Properties hopes to break ground in late 2013. A number of highrise developments are at various stages of development across Metro Vancouver. Century Group is developing 3 Civic Plaza which will house Surrey’s highest skyscraper, a 50-storey condo, office and hotel tower. The Sovereign, a Bosa Properties project in Burnaby’s Metrotown, is expected to be B.C.’s second-tallest building at 500 feet. Appia Development’s Solo District project in Burnaby at Lougheed Highway and Willingdon Avenue has four towers ranging upwards of 38 storeys. Station Square at Metrotown includes plans for five towers ranging from 35 to 57 storeys. Coquitlam has approved a development agreement for Windsor Gate, a Polygon Homes project with two 25-story towers. Concord Pacific is proposing a 31-storey tower in Metrotown. Abbotsford is expecting to see a Quantum Properties 26-storey tower, Mahogany at Mill Lake. Surrey has three town centre highrise projects in development, “all above 30 storeys and that’s great,” said Surrey city councillor Barinder Rasode. Surrey is actively encouraging highrises in place of urban sprawl, she said. “We can’t fight the fact that 1,200 people a month move to Surrey and we are also going to have, in the next 10 years, an increase in the number of seniors by 179 per cent.” “As we’re creating communities that are more walkable and bikeable and while we’re protecting our agricultural and industrial landbase, density is the only option,” Rasode said. Metro Vancouver’s regional growth strategy, approved in 1996, created a pattern of development that concentrates density in town centres and protects natural areas and both agricultural and industrial land. Area residents may be starting to notice a flurry of highrise development because of a two- to three-year delay between presales and construction, said Darren Kwiatkowski, Shape Properties executive vice-president. “The basic philosophy has been there, whether Burnaby, Central Surrey or Richmond,” Kwiatkowski said. “What you’re seeing now is just market economics and social economic trends.” Young people are increasingly choosing car-free lifestyles, so transit has become a key driver for residential condo sales. “The projects that are selling the best in the Lower Mainland, are on SkyTrain [lines,]” Kwiatkowski said. “What that translates into is more highrise.” Kwiatkowski predicted that office development will soon be driven by tenants seeking similar convenience. “What’s coming is a fundamental shift from low-density business parks to office facilities on transit.” The final height of a tower is determined by a fine balancing act between presale numbers and building costs. “Once you get over 50 to 55 storeys, you’re looking at premiums,” for additional elevator banks, and wind and earthquake considerations, Kwiatkowski said. He does not foresee many of the current Metro Vancouver projects coming in at over 50 stories. “There is a premium to concrete over wood frame construction. Not every Lower Mainland market will support it. the housing price has to get to a certain point where concrete is an alternative. Over the last 15 years, downtown, you could build a highrise, the economics there worked. In Metrotown it worked and in Richmond it worked. So you’re now starting to see the economics work as housing prices rise gradually and it becomes a more accepted form of living.” Lower Mainland residents still trying to live with values left over from the 1950s have an emotional disconnect that comes from a lack of clear government policies encouraging alternative kinds of housing other than single family, said Penny Gurstein, a University of BC professor community and regional planning. “It isn’t necessarily [about] the housing type,” Gurstein said. “It’s the kind of values underlying that.” “There is nothing inherently wrong with highrise especially in a place like Brentwood which is a transportation node and there’s shopping, there’s entertainment, there’s work there. If you want to do density, that’s the best place to be doing it.” jennylee@vancouversun.com © Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Brentwood Redevelopment garnering attention
The Brentwood Mall Redevelopment is beginning to garner increased attention in the media as it heads into its first public hearing on the rezoning proposal by Shape Properties. The BMR will see Brentwood Mall transformed into a massive mixed use core in North Burnaby with towers as high as 70 stories in a multi-decade, four-phase development. We can expect large numbers of both supporters and non-supporters at the public hearing. From talking to residents in the Brentwood Park area, it appears that although many support the project, they are concerned about the increase in auto traffic through the quiet neighbourhood that has seen a marked increase in speeding rat runners.
3 Articles below:
Burnaby mall could see huge expansion
CBC News Posted: Aug 27, 2012 7:55 PM PT Last Updated: Aug 27, 2012 7:48 PM PT
http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/video/clips/ys_2273248122.html
A developer has big plans — very big plans — for Brentwood Mall in Burnaby. As many as 11 condominium and office towers, some as high as 70 storeys, could be built at the mall, which has occupied the northeast corner of Willingdon Avenue and the Lougheed Highway since 1961. Area residents get their say at a public meeting Tuesday night. But as the CBC’s Lisa Johnson reports, the proposed project seems to have widespread support. (CBC News)
Public hearing set for Brentwood Mall redevelopment
Proposal includes 11 towers, including two that would be 70 stories
Shane Bigham August 28, 2012 BURNABY (NEWS1130) -
A public hearing is being held tonight in Burnaby to talk about a massive redevelopment proposal for Brentwood Mall. The current plan includes 11 towers, including two that would be 70 stories. The tallest building in Metro Vancouver right now is the 62-story Shangri-La in downtown Vancouver. Brentwood Mall was one of the most modern shopping centres in western Canada when it opened in the early 1960s, but times have changed. The redevelopment would restore Brentwood's status as a shopping destination. The old mall would be transformed into a "town centre," much like Metrotown on Kingsway in Burnaby. Along with more shopping, there would be condos and office space. Brentwood Mall is already linked to the Millennium Line SkyTrain, while Metrotown is a stop along the original Expo Line system. In order to make the project pedestrian friendly, it would include a massive public plaza that would be surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The redevelopment would take nearly 30 years to complete. Renowned Vancouver architect James Cheng is the lead designer on this project. (News 1130)
A massive re-development in the cards for Burnaby's Brentwood Town Centre
Global News : Monday, August 27, 2012 12:00 AM
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. “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.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.
3 Articles below:
Burnaby mall could see huge expansion
CBC News Posted: Aug 27, 2012 7:55 PM PT Last Updated: Aug 27, 2012 7:48 PM PT
http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/video/clips/ys_2273248122.html
A developer has big plans — very big plans — for Brentwood Mall in Burnaby. As many as 11 condominium and office towers, some as high as 70 storeys, could be built at the mall, which has occupied the northeast corner of Willingdon Avenue and the Lougheed Highway since 1961. Area residents get their say at a public meeting Tuesday night. But as the CBC’s Lisa Johnson reports, the proposed project seems to have widespread support. (CBC News)
Public hearing set for Brentwood Mall redevelopment
Proposal includes 11 towers, including two that would be 70 stories
Shane Bigham August 28, 2012 BURNABY (NEWS1130) -
A public hearing is being held tonight in Burnaby to talk about a massive redevelopment proposal for Brentwood Mall. The current plan includes 11 towers, including two that would be 70 stories. The tallest building in Metro Vancouver right now is the 62-story Shangri-La in downtown Vancouver. Brentwood Mall was one of the most modern shopping centres in western Canada when it opened in the early 1960s, but times have changed. The redevelopment would restore Brentwood's status as a shopping destination. The old mall would be transformed into a "town centre," much like Metrotown on Kingsway in Burnaby. Along with more shopping, there would be condos and office space. Brentwood Mall is already linked to the Millennium Line SkyTrain, while Metrotown is a stop along the original Expo Line system. In order to make the project pedestrian friendly, it would include a massive public plaza that would be surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The redevelopment would take nearly 30 years to complete. Renowned Vancouver architect James Cheng is the lead designer on this project. (News 1130)
A massive re-development in the cards for Burnaby's Brentwood Town Centre
Global News : Monday, August 27, 2012 12:00 AM
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. “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.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Zellers "clearance" items may actually cost more
I've heard from a source that the outgoing Zellers at Brentwood Mall is trying to create the illusion that it is slashing prices for clearance. I would expect the same is happening at all Zellers stores. Although a few items on "clearance" may cost less than the regular price, most items currently on "clearance" were actually priced lower a few weeks ago and are priced higher now. For example, according to an employee of the Brentwood Zellers, bathroom floor mats that are now on "clearance" with a "30% off" tag actually cost roughly 30% less 2 weeks ago. Although it may not be illegal, the deceptive tactic is certainly dishonest. All I can say is, "CAVEAT EMPTOR".
Saturday, August 18, 2012
2015 Target for Brentwood
It has been confirmed that Target will indeed be coming to Brentwood Mall in 2015. With Zellers slated for closure by 2013 and the Brentwood Mall Redevelopment expected to begin the same year, we can expect either a demolition of the existing building that houses Zellers or an expansion to accommodate a typical Target store.
The following story in The Star indicates that the current unionized staff at Brentwood want to be recognized as a union by the incoming Target Corp. Target has stated that it will not recognize the union when it comes in.
Here are some improvements to the shopping experience that Target will bring that Zellers has consistently failed at:
The following story in The Star indicates that the current unionized staff at Brentwood want to be recognized as a union by the incoming Target Corp. Target has stated that it will not recognize the union when it comes in.
Here are some improvements to the shopping experience that Target will bring that Zellers has consistently failed at:
- Price tags on items.
- Electronic price checkers that actually work.
- Organized aisles with goods arranged under the correct description and price. Goods blocking aisles (City safety bylaw infractions) or just strewn about on shelves have been consistent features of the Brentwood Zellers.
- Better management team that can identify the above 3 issues as areas for improvement.
Target doesn’t want anything to do with ‘depressed’ Zellers
Published on Friday August 17, 2012
Francine Kopun
Business Reporter
Business Reporter
Target wants nothing to do with the old Zellers stores or image – it doesn’t even want its customer lists, according to documents filed with the B.C. Labour Relations Board.
The documents were filed in defence of a claim by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which is trying to have Target declared a successor employer at the Brentwood Mall location in Burnaby, set to open as a brand new 160,000 square foot marquis Target store in 2015.
If the claim is successful, it would put Target in the position of having to employ the current Zellers workers at the Brentwood location, who are unionized.
Hearings are scheduled for August 27-31.
Target’s defence against the UFCW application offers a glimpse behind the brand.
Target’s preference in expanding into Canada was to adopt a “Greenfield” approach – completely new constructions. But Target felt that the comparatively intensive regulation of land use in Canada could delay the process.
Purchasing the Zellers leases from HBC for $1.825-billion allowed the U.S. firm to take on leases that in many cases had terms which were well below market value and represented an opportunity for Target to save millions of dollars in rent.
Zellers had approached Target in the past about making a deal.
“Based on overtures from Zellers in the past, Target was aware that Zellers was prepared to consider a transaction that would provide Target with the right to acquire leasehold interests in a portion of Zellers’ sites,” according to the Target statement.
Target plans to completely remodel each former Zellers location, spending $10-$11-million per site.
Zellers and HBC share a client list through their joint customer loyalty program, HBC Rewards, but Target is not acquiring the list.
“When compared to Target’s guests in the U.S., Zellers attracts a different customer base, older and more likely to be ‘empty nesters.’ Zellers customers are also likely to spend significantly less per visit than a Target guest.”
HBC has retained the lists.
Target Canada spokesperson Lisa Gibson says Zellers customers should not infer from this that they are not welcome at Target.
"We welcome any and all guests to shop our stores. We were simply saying in the documents filed that our typical guest demographic is quite different than Zellers typical guest demographic."
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Public Hearing approved for Brentwood Redevelopment
On August 28th, citizens will be able to speak on the proposed Brentwood Mall Redevelopment (BMR). A public hearing is set for 7:00pm that day at the City of Burnaby council chamber. The multiphase, multi-decade project will involve a dynamic transformation of the property that is expected to establish Brentwood as a major centre of Burnaby.
With towers as high as 70 stories proposed, the development will dwarf the massive Solo District project which is close to breaking ground at the kiddie corner from Brentwood Mall. The project is expected to begin with the southwest corner which will see the construction of 2 residential high-rises with commercial business podiums as well as a low-rise building (Burnaby Now and Burnaby NewsLeader stories below). This site will also be the location for a public plaza surrounded by entertainment amenities.
Phase 2 of the BMR will occur at the southeast section of the site and will include a 50, 000 square foot food store and 2 residential towers.
I will expect residents of the single-family Brentwood Park neighbourhood immediately to the north to rightfully express their concerns about the prospect of increased automobile traffic and tall towers looming over their backyards.
With towers as high as 70 stories proposed, the development will dwarf the massive Solo District project which is close to breaking ground at the kiddie corner from Brentwood Mall. The project is expected to begin with the southwest corner which will see the construction of 2 residential high-rises with commercial business podiums as well as a low-rise building (Burnaby Now and Burnaby NewsLeader stories below). This site will also be the location for a public plaza surrounded by entertainment amenities.
Phase 2 of the BMR will occur at the southeast section of the site and will include a 50, 000 square foot food store and 2 residential towers.
I will expect residents of the single-family Brentwood Park neighbourhood immediately to the north to rightfully express their concerns about the prospect of increased automobile traffic and tall towers looming over their backyards.
Changes coming for Brentwood
BY JANAYA FULLER-EVANS, BURNABY NOW AUGUST 1, 2012
The lights and razzle dazzle of London's entertainment and tourist hub could be coming to Burnaby.
Shape Properties, the company that owns and manages Brentwood Town Centre, presented its conceptual master plan to Burnaby council.
On Monday night, council approved the ambitious plan, which did not include rezoning applications for constructing the new town centre, for public hearing on Aug. 28.
"It's a multi-year development, said Coun. Pietro Calendino. "There's plenty of time to learn more about what will come down the pike."
But once the project is completed, it would be a major part of Burnaby's landscape, according to Calendino.
"It will become a real town centre," he said. "It will be the Piccadilly Circus of Burnaby."
The plan divides the 11.5-hectare site at 4515 and 4567 Lougheed Hwy. into four quadrants for development.
The southwest quadrant, which is currently a vacant lot, would be the first to be developed. The plan proposes putting in two residential highrises with commercial business podiums, and a low-rise building, as well. The residential towers would range from 45 to 70 storeys in height. There would also be a high street in the quadrant and a two-tiered public plaza at Willingdon Avenue and Lougheed Highway.
The southeast quadrant could be the second phase of development. It would include two residential towers. The plans for this quadrant include a 50,000 square-foot food store on the north side of the high street, with a base that could potentially accommodate another residential tower later on. The residential towers would range in height from a minimum of 25 to a maximum of 55 storeys, depending on the location on the site.
There would also be a smaller public plaza in this quadrant, and a green roof atop the food store and an underground parking area.
The northwest quadrant, which could be the third phase of development, would consist of two residential towers, with
retail and commercial space as well.
The towers would range in height from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 55 storeys, depending on the location on the site.
There would also be another, smaller public plaza in this quadrant.
And finally, the northeast quadrant could be the fourth phase of development. It would encompass the majority of the mall site and some surface parking.
The plan for this quadrant includes four mid to highrise residential towers, low-rise townhouses, two office towers, and redevelopment of the commercial centre.
The office towers would be between 30 to 40 storeys in height.
The plans include extensive redevelopment to create public spaces - from the town centre boulevard along Lougheed Highway to the entertainment precinct, the high street, and more.
The project would also include redevelopment to accommodate vehicle, bus, SkyTrain and pedestrian traffic.
"One of the prime issues is going to be, how do we control traffic?" Coun. Nick Volkow said.
Though the project is ambitious in scope, Coun. Dan Johnston said it is something he thinks area residents are ready for.
"I think people are looking for a modernization of Brentwood," he said.
Shape Properties conducted two open houses earlier this year to present plans to people in the area and get feedback from residents.
The public hearing on Aug. 28 will be another opportunity for people to speak to council and the company about their
thoughts, Coun. Sav Dhaliwal said.
As the project moves forward, changes may be made to the plan.
But there is no doubt that, once completed, it will be a completely different Brentwood, he added.
"I think a change is coming," he said.
Public hearings take place at the council chamber at city hall at 7 p.m.
For those who cannot attend, written submissions must be received at the city clerk's office by 4: 45 p.m. on the day of the public hearing.
jfuller-evans@burnabynow.com
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Big plans for Burnaby's Brentwood
A concept plan for the massive redevelopment of Brentwood Town Centre that could take 30 years to complete will go to a public hearing Aug. 28.
A report to city council this week said Shape Properties is proposing a concept that would be a complete redevelopment of the 28-acre Brentwood mall site. If it is carried out, it would have up to 11 residential high rises and two office towers ranging from 25 to 70 stories, townhouses, a large amount of retail at ground level and a public plaza for year-round activity.
"The plaza and pedestrian promenades are intended to be the hub of the development and the heart of the Brentwood Town Centre," said the report.
The proposal calls for the project to be broken down into four quadrants. The first to go up would be the one right at Willingdon Avenue and Lougheed Highway. It's proposed the residential towers would range from 45 stories to 70 in addition to some low-rise and commercial.
Coun. Paul McDonell said the city wants to keep the tallest towers, and their high density, close to the SkyTrain station. He has his doubts, though, it will reach as high as 70 stories or even 60.
"Once you go over 58 you've got to put in a third elevator shaft and that gets expensive. The economy of scales just become too much," said McDonell. "Personally, I don't have a problem if we go higher with buildings because that gives us more open space on the ground."
In addition to the big buildings, the focal point of the first phase would be a two-tiered public plaza with the upper tier connecting to the Brentwood SkyTrain Station concourse.
Next up in the process would likely be the section along the Lougheed to the east. It would have two residential high-rises and commercial including a 50,000 square foot supermarket.
If the market is good, the third quadrant along Willingdon Avenue could be built in conjunction with the second with towers ranging from 35 to 55 stories at Halifax and Willingdon.
The fourth and final phase could also be started earlier if the market conditions are favorable and it would have four towers and a linear parkway to transition the development to the homes to the north of the site.
The concept also calls for the building of High Street to run through the development. It would be the spine of the shopping area designed to be highly active and connect residents, employees, shoppers, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians to all aspects of the site.
In the report, acting planning director Lou Pelletier said the concept has exceptional architectural expression that will serve Burnaby and its citizens well into the future.
"The interplay of land use, urban design, place-making, architecture, landscape architecture and signage showcases a highly creative approach to development within the Brentwood core area, and significantly contributes to Brentwood's transition into an urban town centre," wrote Pelletier.
He said the site's redevelopment complexity and foresight to guide development over the next two or three decades makes it worth supporting.
Development cost charges are expected to include a new school site acquisition charge, a parkland acquisition charge and a sewerage charge.
Early version's of the concept have already been presented at two open houses. The public hearing will be for Shape's application to rezone the property to allow the project to proceed.