A new community centre for Capstan Village is currently being designed with a target date of opening in 2023 or 2024.
Concrete for six mid-rise towers was poured for the first phase of the three-phase Viewstar project and now, as part of the second phase planning process, the developer is working with the city to design the 35,000-square-foot community centre, which will be paid for by the developer.
Frank Huang, vice-president of Yuanheng Holdings, a Vancouver-based housing developer in charge of the project, said the community centre will become a “hub” for arts and cultural activities, and is expected to get 5,000 visits every day.
“I am excited about the project since the community centre serves as a bridge to connect people and foster feelings of civic pride,” he added.
Huang added that they are going to hold an internal meeting with the city this week to discuss the community centre design, which is expected to be ready in two months.
When completed, the Viewstar project will have 577 homes by 2021, including 41 affordable rentals.
The development will also include a riverfront park and a 200,000-square-foot office building, according to Huang.
“This office building is designed to meet the needs of international companies, such as Amazon or Google,” said Huang
“With more big firms coming to Richmond, residents can have more job opportunities and a growing local economy,” he added.
The project is located on the west side of No. 3 Road, between Sea Island Way and Capstan Way.
TransLink recently announced that it will soon start construction on the Capstan Canada Line station at No. 3 Road and Capstan Way, years ahead of schedule.
“The new SkyTrain station will arrive in Capstan Village in the near future, that’s the icing on the cake,” said Huang.
Meanwhile, a new street named McMyn Way will be built by the developer to link No.3 Road and Corvette Way.
Huang noted that McMyn Way will improve transportation in that area, which can help Richmondites minimize their commute time to Vancouver. And it will be easier for those living in the area to get around Capstan Village.
As part of the construction plan, the developer will also build a riverfront park, a pier and water access along the park. Currently, this plan is still under discussion, said Huang.
Clay Adams, Richmond city spokesperson, said the development permit for phase two is currently under staff review with no current timeline for when it may proceed to the development permit panel and council for consideration. That process will confirm the design of the community centre.
“This is an exciting development that reflects the city’s vision of building strong and vibrant neighbourhoods with amenities such as community centres, transportation and parks that connect people and encourage healthy, active environments,” said Adams.
