A planned civic community centre in a Brentwood highrise development could get a “podium park” for an additional $7.3 million if Burnaby city council approves it.
City staff are recommending the park as part of an updated budget for the $139-million Brentwood Community Centre project in the residential development Brentwood Block by Grosvenor in the 4600 block of Lougheed Highway, right across from Brentwood mall.
In a city report going to council Monday, staff said Grosvenor has submitted estimated costs for “a few design enhancement options,” including:
- Podium park space (additional public and programming space on the roof plus improved acoustics, durability and lighting): $7.3 million
- Polished concrete to terrazzo flooring: $2 million
- Metal panel cladding to terracotta: $1.7 million
Staff have recommended council approve the $7.3-million podium park as the area “currently has little park space in its vicinity” but did not consider the other options “vital.”
If council approves the podium park, the project budget would be increased to $146.3 million.
Willingdon Community Centre could become 'redundant'
Staff said, unlike other community centres built in parks, this project “integrates seamlessly into the neighbourhood … without compromising parkland.”
Not only that, but the new facility could free up land at the current Willingdon Community Centre at 1491 Carleton Ave. for an expanded park, as the new Brentwood facility is “likely” to render Willingdon Community Centre “redundant,” according to the report.
“This strategy would address concerns around overbuilding, staffing challenges and resource strain,” staff said.
The proposed 106,000-square-foot Brentwood Community Cetre is planned on the north side of Dawson Street between Alpha and Beta avenues.
The eight-level building would include:
- Double gymnasium and strength training/fitness facility
- Multipurpose rooms, meeting rooms and teaching kitchen
- Childminding and preschool spaces
- Arts, music and creative spaces
- Public art
Staff say the new facility will serve the long-term needs of the “rapidly developing” area.
The developer had planned to start construction on the underground parkade by late 2024 but now plan to start in early 2025, according to documents from the city’s financial management committee.
Staff expect the construction on the community centre to start in late 2026, with an opening in the third quarter of 2029.
Council will vote on the updated budget at its meeting Monday, Dec. 16.
