Michael Bublé attends demolition of former Safeway building at proposed Surrey arena site

Demolition began Sept. 10 on the former Safeway building at King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue in Surrey, the proposed site of an arena, conference centre, hotel, entertainment district and housing development. Mayor Brenda Locke operated an excavator during the ceremony.

The proposed City Centre Arena would include a 10,000-seat arena and event plaza. The Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants are planned as the anchor tenant in a move from Langley Events Centre. Michael Bublé, a Giants co-owner, attended the event and said he plans to sing at a grand-opening concert a few years from now.

The development is projected to cost $360 million and could be built by 2030. Locke said it could generate $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade and more than 2,700 jobs. Surrey is seeking a project manager to plan, design and construct the arena, which the city says would address a regional gap for a mid-sized venue able to host spectator sports, concerts, cultural performances, conventions, community gatherings and other major events.

Surrey and its SCDC real estate office announced plans for the arena last June, including a strategic land swap with Wesgroup Properties, which owns the former Safeway site. The Sobeys-owned grocery store, east of Surrey City Hall and Civic Hotel, closed on May 29, 2021.