The city has budgeted $360 million for the major project to host concerts, sports games and more
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The City of Surrey has announced new details for its plan to build a 10,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, including a partnership with the Vancouver Giants hockey team.
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Mayor Brenda Locke says the new City Centre Arena and Cultural Event Centre is projected to host major concerts, cultural events and sports games.
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“We are so, so very thrilled to welcome the Giants as one of our partners in this project,” Locke told reporters.
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“This is a major vote of confidence in Surrey, and our vision for an arena and broader sports culture and entertainment district. When we say big things are happening in Surrey, we absolutely mean it.”
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The new arena, at an estimated cost of $360 million, is expected to compete with other Metro Vancouver arenas and facilities. The funding was included in the city’s 2026 budget, Locke said.
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The city’s for-profit real estate development company, Surrey City Development Corp., will work with the city on the project, expected to be complete by 2030.
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The Vancouver Giants currently play at the Langley Events Centre, but plan to relocate to Surrey once the new arena is open.
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“We’re a Surrey team, so we’re going to look at modifying the jersey to include Surrey in it in some capacity,” said Ron Toigo, the majority owner and president of the Giants.
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The location of the new arena has changed. Originally, it was going to take over the B.C. Lions training facility at Tom Binnie Park in Whalley, located near Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre and the Gateway SkyTrain Station.
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But the city has chosen a five-acre parcel of land at 10355 King George Blvd., which is currently the parking lot for a closed Safeway store.
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Surrey acquired the location through a land-swap agreement, in which three parcels of city-owned land (at 2750 194A St., 19165 39 Ave. and 12820-12842 96 Ave.) were exchanged for the desired site.
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The new location is in Surrey’s downtown core, across the street from City Hall and the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station. Its construction is expected to kickstart the city’s plan for an entertainment district in the area.
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Aside from the arena itself, the development will also include a luxury hotel, conference space, and housing, according to the city’s plans. The entire project is anticipated to generate $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next 10 years, Locke said.
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“Bringing together this new parcel of land, with experienced parties to build, operate and tenant this new 10,000-seat arena, is going to unlock significant opportunities for the city,” said Bill Aujla, CEO of Surrey City Development Corp.
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Aujla could not say when construction would begin on the project, only that the timeline is still being negotiated.
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The project has proven contentious, particularly for opposition Coun. Linda Annis, who will face off against Locke in the October election.
