Surrey Council Votes on $10.8M Centre Block Phase 1 Contract

Surrey council will vote on a $10.8M Stantec contract for Centre Block phase 1, covering SFU School of Medicine, childcare, retail, and office space.

Surrey Council to Vote on Key Whalley Development

Phase One of Centre Block Takes Shape

Tonight, Surrey City Council will vote on awarding a $10,803,686.25 contract to Stantec Architecture Ltd. for phase one of the Centre Block development in Whalley. This initiative is part of a City of Surrey and Simon Fraser University (SFU) joint venture aimed at creating a mixed-use facility combining educational, childcare, office, and retail spaces.

Comprehensive Design and Construction Services

The contract covers the “core and shell” construction of phase one, as well as tenant improvements for SFU’s School of Medicine, an associated childcare centre, and City of Surrey leasable commercial retail and office space. Stantec will coordinate design, construction, and project management for these elements.

Cost-Sharing Between SFU and the City

Under the joint venture, SFU will cover 71% of the contract ($8,399,649.99), while the City of Surrey is responsible for 29% ($3,484,404.89). A spending limit has been set at $11,884,054.88. City Manager Rob Costanzo emphasized that SFU will establish its own contract with Stantec for university-related work, which is solely SFU’s responsibility.

Future City Work Contract Planned

“Staff will return to council in the near future with a recommendation for a contract award to Stantec later in 2026 for the City work. The cost of this work is the City’s sole responsibility,” Costanzo stated in a report submitted ahead of the vote.

Space Allocation Within the Building

SFU’s School of Medicine and childcare facility will occupy 280,000 square feet across levels two to eight. The City will use 89,000 square feet of office space on levels nine to 11 and part of level 12. The shared ground floor will feature an 11,000-square-foot lobby, City-owned retail, and an Indigenous gathering space connected to SFU.

Significance for Surrey and SFU

If approved, this contract will move Surrey closer to completing a landmark mixed-use development that combines higher education, childcare, commercial space, and community facilities. The project exemplifies the collaboration between municipal and academic institutions to support urban growth in Whalley.

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