City Centre Plan
We're Updating the City Centre Plan
City Centre is undergoing a bold transformation into a vibrant and dynamic downtown for Surrey. The area is home to thousands of residents and is increasingly becoming a destination for workers, students and visitors.
Since the plan was created in 2017, significant challenges have arisen in society that are felt at the local level. In response, we’ve made the following updates:
- Enabled more housing and businesses around the future Green Timbers SkyTrain Station.
- Added more space for low rise housing forms and neighbourhood services in the Bolivar District.
- Identified a Central Business District in core areas where employment space will be concentrated.
As work continues on the plan, here is an overview of what’s happening in City Centre and what to expect in the future.
Planning for More Housing
City Centre has an important role to play in providing new housing and in Surrey meeting its housing targets. As of June 2025, approximately 7,000 dwelling units were under construction in City Centre. But even more is needed to address the ongoing housing crisis.
In June 2024, as required by Provincial legislation, the City designated “Transit-Oriented Areas” (TOAs) around SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges in Surrey. This includes four TOAs in City Centre. Within TOAs, higher density development is expected to occur, which will allow for more housing to be built.
Since last June, we have been adjusting the City Centre Plan to align with the Province’s TOA framework. A draft land use map is available for the public to review. It reflects the minimum densities that municipalities are required to approved around transit hubs.
In the coming months, staff will finalize the draft land use map before presenting it to Council for approval.
Supporting Jobs and the Economy
Surrey is taking steps to support employment growth and create more opportunities in City Centre. In February 2025, Council confirmed the location of a Central Business District. In this area, new buildings will need to include office space to ensure there’s room for businesses to grow.
Employment growth is critical to a successful downtown and the City is taking the following steps to make that happen:
- Centre Block Development: A major new office project is coming to the old North Surrey Recreation Centre site. The first phase will include space for the future SFU medical school. The entire project will provide 2 million square feet of office and institutional space.
- Room to Grow: The City is setting aside land for the expansion of SFU, Surrey Memorial Hospital and a brand-new UBC Surrey campus.
- Mixed-Use Development: In key locations, new buildings must include ground floor commercial space for shops and services.
More Things to Do in City Centre
As City Centre grows, residents and visitors are looking for more options for entertainment, dining and shopping. That’s why Surrey is planning for an Entertainment District in City Centre.
In May 2025, Mayor Locke announced exciting plans for a new arena and events facility. This arena will anchor the Entertainment District, hosting concerts, sporting events and community gatherings.
In addition, the entertainment district will feature a new Interactive Art Museum that will offer innovative and inclusive art exhibits. The district will also offer hotel and conference facilities to welcome visitors and support local events and business meetings.
Managing Growth
As new homes are provided and City Centre densifies, we need to make sure that infrastructure and services keep pace with growth. The City, partner agencies and the private sector all contribute to this. Here are some examples of projects and developments that support liveability in City Centre.
- The Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension, including the new Green Timbers station at Fraser Highway and 140 Street.
- New protected bike lanes built throughout City Centre.
- An addition to the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre.
- Ongoing expansion of health services at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
- The new Theresa Clarke Elementary School opening in September.
- New shopping areas, such as the King George Hub, built to serve high-density neighbourhoods.