A 40-acre Sapperton site will undergo a dramatic transformation in the coming years.
The Sapperton Green site, located at Braid and Brunette, is the land that’s located around the Braid SkyTrain station. It’s also situated next to Hume Park and the Brunette Creek.
Bentall Kennedy is offering real estate services for the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, which owns the Sapperton Green site. Planning is underway and the owner is considering a mixed-use development that would include residential, retail and office space.
“It’s an extraordinary piece of land and a wonderful opportunity,” Tony Astles, executive vice president of Bentall Kennedy, told council recently.
Council will soon receive an official application for amendments to the official community plan.
Mayor Wayne Wright said the project is “one of the most important developments” for the future of the city.
Bentall Kennedy has received input about the site from a community advisory group that includes representatives from residents and business associations, Royal Columbian Hospital and other stakeholders. Workshops have addressed site considerations such as green spaces, connectivity in the area, uses that would be offered on the site and density/massing.
Astles said the goal is to build a vibrant mixed-use community on the transit line. He said the process to date has garnered support for a mixed-used development that includes multifamily rental dwellings, office space, retail and other uses.
“It’s great to see it back on track,” said Coun. Jonathan Cote. “I can say this is one of the more significant development sites in the city.”
Along with the Brewery District, Cote said Sapperton Green will help transform that part of New Westminster.
Given that this is the last major employment site remaining in the city, Cote said he’d be interested in seeing what type of employment is offered at the site.
According to Astles, Bentall Kennedy had been talking to TransLink about the possibility of locating its head office in the development, but that didn’t work out and it moved into the Brewery District. He said TransLink didn’t want to wait until other amenities (like residential) were available on the site – and didn’t like the traffic issues around the site.
As part of the project, Bentall Kennedy is proposing the creation of a new intersection under SkyTrain and improved signal coordination be made to traffic lights in the area.
Astles said the plan is to improve the site’s connections with Hume Park and Brunette Creek.
“I am hoping it will be protected and enhanced,” said Coun. Lorrie Williams. “It is an important creek.”
Cote said the creek is one of the unique natural areas and believes the community should be connected to the creek because it’s a natural asset of the site.
“It’s a very interesting natural area,” he said. “I would hope this development would help emphasize that.”
In addition to making the most of the site’s proximity to Hume Park and Brunette Creek, Astles said there’s an opportunity to improve connections to the SkyTrain station, by bringing residents to the station via the site rather than along the busy Braid Street. He told council that providing opportunities for people to walk in animated areas with cafes and other services would make it a desirable walk to the station.
“Overall I like what you are doing,” said Coun. Jaimie McEvoy. I think this will be a tremendous asset.”
Council members suggested Bentall Kennedy consult with Fraser Health about its future needs for Royal Columbian Hospital in case it’s interested in offering services at the site.
