Like many of its neighbouring properties, Station Square near Metrotown is making big expansion plans.
The Metrotown area has seen a surge of new developments, particularly residential and commercial high-rises, start up over the past year.
Station Square is the most recent property in the area slated for major redevelopment.
The first phase of development is focused on the northern part of the current site, between Kingsborough Street and Kingsway, with changes to the south portion to be considered later on.
This will mean a substantial renovation of the current commercial space in the northern section of Station Square, according to a report by the city's director of planning and building, Basil Luksun.
It would include commercial space at ground level, offices on the next two storeys, and five residential towers ranging in height from 35 to 57 storeys.
"The potential to pursue more intensive redevelopment of the portion of the site south of Kingsborough Street is limited by existing easements in favour of the two residential towers on McKay Avenue and the hotel on Central Boulevard," the report stated.
The overall plan for the redevelopment of Station Square is ambitious in scope, with street-level activity, including public spaces.
The plan includes designating Kingsway, described as "The Great Urban Street," as the front door to the development; McKay Avenue - "The Elegant City Street"- as having more residential character; Central Boulevard - "The Garden Street" - as a place to sit and enjoy; and Laneway Edge - "The Shortcut" - as a new lane for cars and pedestrians in the area.
Silver Avenue would be the "Shopping Street and Restaurant Row."
The development includes plans for a number of public spaces, including "The Hub" at the southeastern gateway; "The Arcade" where the covered pedestrian walkway is now; "City Market," a plaza and parking area, three plazas along Kingsborough Street; a mini park at the eastern gateway to the site, on Kingsway; and "pocket plazas" at the western gateway and in front of a proposed major food store in the development.
The proposal for the first phase of development is slated to go to a public hearing on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall.
For those who cannot attend, written submissions regarding the development must be received at the city clerk's office by 4: 45 p.m. on the day of the public hearing.
The full report - Rezoning Reference #04-09 - is available in the manager's report for the Aug. 29 council meeting on the city's website, www.city.burnaby. bc.ca.
