SOUTH SURREY - With Guildford Town Centre having opened its renovated and expanded shopping mall just over a year ago, the owners of Semiahmoo Shopping Centre look to be paving the way to do the same.
At the City of Surrey's council meeting Monday, city staff were given permission to go ahead with plans for drafting a development permit for owners First Capital Realty and work with them to ensure all development criteria are met before proceeding.
The next stage would be council granting said development permit at a later date.
In the report to council, First Capital proposes to elevate three parts of the building's exteriors to accommodate future retailers, as well as adding a ramp and rooftop parking to accommodate 150 new parking stalls.
The exterior of the current Zellers location is also being eyed for renovation to bring a more modern concept and look to the shopping centre itself. According to the report, part of that look is to "drastically improve the building and urban design by changing the building form from a blank box where all activity occurs on the inside of the building, to a "street wall," where edges and the exterior of the building has the appearance of a shopping street which promotes visual interest, activity and leisure."
Additional renovations include adding new plant and lighting fixtures, and future expansion of the Semiahmoo Trail is set to run through the area. When the trail expansion does occur, historical signs and public art mosaics are also planned for the site.
In June, Brian Kozak, executive vice president of First Capital Realty confirmed the Zellers store was closing but was unable to reveal what future tenants may be going in the spot.
"We're actually quite happy that we're going to be getting that space back and going to be able to re-merchandise the space with uses which we think will be of greater benefit and a greater draw for not only the shopping centre but the community as a whole," he said at the time.
cpoon@thenownewspaper.com