‘No costing’: Council urged to put Surrey arena plan to a referendum

The City of Surrey has released more details on its development of a new arena and an entertainment district to be built around it – with one council member saying the arena plan should be put to a referendum for the 2026 civic election.

A new city staff report included a rendering of the arena and surrounding area (see above).

The report says the City Centre housing plan built to take advantage of access to SkyTrain is “being updated to establish an Entertainment District within City Centre. This district will be anchored by the City Centre Arena.”

According to an economic feasibility study commissioned by staff, there is potential for a 10,000-seat arena capable of hosting a primary sports tenant, concerts, and various entertainment and community events.

Based on this, a concept plan was developed integrating the City Centre Arena within a mixed-use development located on the city-owned lands adjacent to the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre at Tom Binnie Park.

This includes:

• A 10,000-seat arena;
• Approximately 100,000 square feet of commercial space (retail, entertainment, and office);
• A 175-key hotel with approximately 60,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting, and
• conference facilities; and
• A galleria (enclosed promenade) joining the arena with the commercial development.

But Coun. Linda Annis, who is running for mayor under the Surrey First banner, says that while the entertainment district is a great idea, the arena should not be paid for by taxpayers.

“A dynamic entertainment district should be part of our city centre, but a costly, taxpayer-funded arena is no substitute for the parks, pools, rinks and playing fields we desperately need in our local neighbourhoods,” said Annis. “Brenda Locke’s arena has no business plan, no costing, and no guarantee that taxpayers will not be on the hook for this pricey project when costs go up.”

Annis puts the cost of an arena at $600 million.

“No one has shown me numbers that say anything different, and every publicly funded project we see these days is way over budget, with taxpayers on the hook,” Annis said.

The city staff report on the entertainment district outlined how it would unfold.

“The co-location of these uses will support the viability of each component and the wrapping of the arena with commercial space, especially retail and entertainment uses, will contribute to a more active and vibrant frontage compared to a standalone arena,” said the report. “The co-location of the hotel and conference facilities with the arena will also allow for the arena floor to be used for trade shows and other conference events.”

Within the broader Entertainment District, adjacent and nearby developments will be encouraged to contribute additional entertainment, hospitality, and arts and cultural uses.

“New developments will be required to provide commercial uses, at minimum, on the ground floor. Commercial floor space should prioritize active uses that engage the street, such as retail, dining, and entertainment, particularly along City Parkway which is proposed as the principal frontage for active commercial uses.”

Public realm strategies will integrate public plazas, parks, active transportation networks, and commercial streetscapes, including spill-out zones for adjacent businesses.

“They will also explore opportunities to enhance the public realm by incorporating public art, lighting, signage, street furniture, landscaping, and a unified design that makes use of high-quality materials.”