It’s been 60 years since Coquitlam started developing as a suburb. Now the investment company that manages Coquitlam Centre wants residents to think what the next 60 years should look like.
And while flying cars and robot house cleaners are not part of the plan, Morguard Investments Ltd., representing Pensionfund Realty Ltd., does want people to envision the future as they embark on a master plan process for the almost 59 acres of downtown property.
“There are multiple issues in change and transition, such as what is transportation going to look like in 40 years. We try and do as much research as we can and make an educated projection,” said Geoff Nagle, Morguard’s director of development western Canada.
Nagle said the public is being asked to contribute ideas to two planning processes: one is a master plan for the entire property which has a 60 year or more buildout, and the other is an OCP amendment and rezoning for the first 16-acre parcel, which includes the former Sears store.
The time is right for such a redevelopment, Nagle said, because the city is updating the City Centre Area Plan, the Evergreen Extension has arrived and the recent vacancy of the large Sears store creates opportunities that weren’t available before.
For the first phase, Morguard envisions nine towers with 3.5 million square feet of mixed use space next to Lincoln. However, the timing of construction and particulars of the project will depend on several factors, including city approval as well as market forces.
The Phase 1 area is adjacent to Lincoln SkyTrain Station and includes the former Sears site, the east parking lot and two parcels on the northeast corner of the site. Because only commercial uses are permitted on the site, Morguard must go through an OCP amendment application, a rezoning application and a subdivision application to create a transit-oriented mixed-use neighborhood.
Meanwhile, a master planning process for the entire site will look at developing a downtown core with employment, housing, parks, and transportation with distinct innovative architecture.
Nagle has lived in many cities, including New York and Rome, and says the most successful adapt to change and he cautioned people not to worry about the future of Coquitlam Centre which continues to be a successful regional mall.
“The idea is to build on the success of that centre,” Nagle said.
There are three ways to get involved, according to Nagle, attend an open house Tuesday, Dec. 11 (drop in 6-9 p.m.) at Glen elementary school, 3064 Glen Dr., visit the engagement centre on the main level south wing) at Coquitlam Centre from Dec. 6-15 or fill out a survey online at coquitlamcentreunlimited.ca.
