Century Group held a public engagement/information update session this past Tuesday evening regarding the potential development of the Town Centre Mall.
Due to publishing timelines for the Optimist, I am not able to chronicle the event in this comment, but I can speak to a video from Century President Sean Hodgins posted online last week, that outlines the major discussion points regarding the possible project.
A main consideration addresses the form and tenure of the buildings in the proposed development. Will they be strata units, rental, or a combination thereof? Will they be studios and one bedroom or two and three-bedroom units? The choices here, Hodgins notes, would likely be based on decisions made by Delta in relation to its housing needs assessment.
Another major point discusses the retail component of the potential development.
What types of shops and services would be best suited in this new urban environment and for the community at-large? Retail will be huge driver for the success of the proposed development and the public is invited to share their ideas for the ultimate vision.
Other main discussion points include the nature of the urban landscape of the site, the architectural look and feel of the buildings, and the new library as an anchor for the community.
Accommodation above retail space has traditionally been a tried and true success in community building over the years and in fact, centuries. Revisiting this simple concept will help to ensure successful retail and amenity for the residents of the new urban neighbourhood.
Although far too early to plan building height, in a mid-rise building scenario (five to 10 storyes) above retail, benefits include blending into established and family-friendly neighbourhoods and being near schools and parks. They also provide enough gentle density to support transit corridors yet can meld into the character of an existing neighbourhood.
During this ongoing process, Century Group has clearly indicated that they have ideas on how to proceed, but that they want to hear our ideas as well. If you would like to chime in on this vision for the future core of Tsawwassen visit: tsawwsassentowncentre.ca.
