Surrey seeks project manager for proposed 10,000-seat City Centre Arena

Surrey is seeking a project manager to lead planning, design and construction for its proposed City Centre Arena project.

A request for proposals posted on the city’s website describes a 10,000-seat arena and event plaza intended to fill a regional gap for a mid-sized venue hosting spectator sports, concerts, cultural performances, conventions, community gatherings and other major events. The RFP says work on a concept design report begins this month, and proposals close Sept. 2.

The city and its SCDC real-estate office announced the arena plan June 30, with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants proposed as the anchor tenant. The site is at 104 Avenue and King George Boulevard, on the former Safeway grocery-store property, following a strategic land swap with Wesgroup Properties.

The plan has been championed by Mayor Brenda Locke and criticized by other mayoral candidates ahead of the Oct. 17 civic election. The RFP envisions the arena as the anchor of a mixed-use entertainment district that could include a hotel and conference facilities, retail and restaurant space, offices, public gathering areas and other commercial amenities.