The first phase of a new North Burnaby development is headed to public hearing next week, potentially putting the wheels in motion for two towers and one mid-rise building.
The Grove is a major development planned between Willingdon and Alpha avenues and Dawson and Alaska streets in the Brentwood town centre, just one block away from the SkyTrain station. Phase 1 of the development involves a space of roughly 9,800 square metres, mostly fronting onto Dawson Street.
Two market strata 34- and 41-storey highrises are planned on top of two storeys of commercial use, and a six-storey non-market rental building is planned on top of a one-storey retail base that will run along Dawson Street, turning onto Willingdon Avenue.
That will bring a total of 868 market strata units and 80 non-market units with rents at 20% below the median rate in the neighbourhood, as measured by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
It will also bring the first section of a new road, an extension of Juneau Street, which will dissect the city block. The thoroughfare, connecting Willingdon and Alpha avenues, is expected to begin construction in Phase 1 of The Grove, with completion set for Phase 2.
Once Phase 2 is completed, the buildings constructed in Phase 1 will also have a view of a new city park along the north side of Juneau Street. The second phase is also proposed to include a mixed commercial and residential building, while Phase 3 includes three residential buildings. Two more residential buildings are planned for the fourth and final phase.
The site is currently occupied by warehouse and industrial properties, with two strip malls along Dawson Street. The surrounding area includes in-progress and completed developments, including highrises, along with industrial and warehouse properties.
Aoyuan Group is the main developer, while the Catalyst Community Developments Society is the proposed operator of the non-market housing. That society serves low-income seniors, working adults and young families, according to the city’s report. As such, the non-market building is expected to accommodate a variety of units, from studios to three-bedrooms.
The project is set to go to public hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
