Surrey approves new plan for city centre upgrades

The Surrey city council approved major changes to its City Centre Plan, including a proposal for a new 10,000-seat arena to be built in a dedicated entertainment district. Mayor Brenda Locke described the updates as "very exciting" for the city's growth, noting that Surrey's population has reached 723,000. The proposed entertainment district will include a large arena, 100,000 square feet of commercial space, a hotel, and a galleria, all situated on city-owned land adjacent to the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre. Several council members supported the initiative, highlighting its potential to enhance downtown Surrey and attract economic activity. However, Coun.

Mike Bose questioned the financial implications, emphasizing the burden on taxpayers for ongoing costs. Coun. Linda Annis, who also opposed the plan, suggested that an estimated cost of $600 million should be subject to voter approval in the upcoming municipal election in 2026. Locke countered that the city cannot afford to oppose all capital projects, stressing the importance of development for future success. She anticipates construction on the arena to begin in 2027.