LONG AWAITED BEACHLANDS CONSTRUCTION STARTS IN COLWOOD

February 13, 2024

Artistic Rendering

City of Colwood

COLWOOD Seacliff Properties and Reliance Properties recently announced that The Beachlands construction is set to begin with their presentation centre, including a coffee shop overlooking the ocean. The building will serve as an architectural gateway, welcoming residents and visitors to a new seaside village in Colwood.

“After seven years of planning, public consultation and various approvals, we are thrilled to put our $1.2 billion investment in motion and start construction of The Beachlands, a world-class seaside community that will contribute much-needed housing, jobs and spending in Colwood and the region,” said Georgia Desjardins, director of development at Seacliff Properties.

A milestone 25 years in the making

Colwood had the foresight back in 1998 to begin envisioning the future potential for this property as the industrial gravel operation it was known for began to wind down.

The Beachlands property has a significant history in Colwood. The gravel operation on the site was the area’s largest employer for almost a century.

For almost 100 years – from 1910 to 2007 – Producer’s Pit was one of Canada’s largest gravel suppliers and one of our region’s largest industrial sites.

Residents who lived in Colwood before it closed may remember the sound of the gravel rumbling along the conveyor belts down to the shoreline to be barged out.

People in Colwood and around the region have been keenly watching to see what comes next.

Colwood’s mayor, Reliance Properties and Seacliff Properties officially broke ground at the Beachlands this morning! This marks the beginning of the much anticipated $1.2 billion destination seaside community. ⁠⁠Photo by Jesse Holland @liveatbeachlands

Realizing the community’s vision for a vibrant seaside community

Colwood Council and staff have worked with the development team to advance our community’s vision to make The Beachlands a vibrant seaside community as envisioned in the community-led Colwood Official Community plan.

Seacliff and Reliance properties $1.2B investment in Colwood aims to boost housing, jobs and the local economy, creating an estimated 10,500 jobs throughout and beyond the build out. Two multifamily buildings are expected to be complete by summer 2026, followed by a vibrant waterfront plaza with pubs, wine bars, restaurants, coffee shops, doctors offices, fitness facilities and more.

47 acres of parks and public spaces

We know from our recent Household Prosperity Survey that 75% of residents currently actively engage in nature trails and parks weekly.

Knowing that, there have been many conversations about ensuring the parks, trails and public spaces maximize opportunities for people to enjoy this incredible seaside location.

The Beachlands encompasses 134-acres of oceanfront land and a shoreline that stretches 1.4 kilometres and beyond to the Lagoon Beach.

Colwood worked to ensure that more than 47 acres of the property will be dedicated to public parks and green space, including a covered public square, nature trails, and an amphitheatre.

This is a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the health and wellness benefits of incredible connections to nature, new parks and trails, places to enjoy arts, culture, and social connections, and opportunities to work, live, and play, here in Colwood.

Increasing housing and employment opportunities 

It’s no secret that our region needs more housing. The development is expected to include about 2,800 homes along with a mixture of commercial buildings and retail spaces.

Our Household Prosperity survey also revealed that 52% of Colwood residents have embraced hybrid or fully remote work. The Beachlands, along with rapidly growing commercial areas in Royal Bay, Allandale District and Colwood Corners, will provide opportunities to work, live and play in Colwood, immersed in nature and recreation, offering exceptional work life balance and quality of life.

Learn more at The Beachlands and stay tuned for announcements as this seaside community comes to life.

Source: City of Colwood

 

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