Demolition of a former Safeway store began Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, marking the official start of construction for a $360-million arena, hotel, and entertainment district in Surrey, British Columbia, according to municipal reports. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke operated an excavator to rip into the brick building at King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue, which will soon make way for a 10,000-seat arena and event plaza anchored by the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants.
Project Scope and Timeline for City Centre Arena
According to the City of Surrey, the development aims to bridge an identified regional market gap for a mid-sized venue capable of hosting spectator sports, concerts, cultural performances, and conventions. The sprawling project will feature the arena alongside a luxury hotel, conference space, and residential housing. Bill Aujla, president and CEO of the Surrey City Development Corporation, stated in a municipal release that the demolition marks the transition from years of planning to active execution. City officials project the development will be completed by 2030 and generate approximately $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade, alongside more than 2,700 jobs across the region.
Vancouver Giants and Celebrity Involvement
Pop crooner and Vancouver Giants co-owner Michael Bublé attended the festival-like groundbreaking ceremony as a celebrity guest, drawing city hall employees and fans to the site. According to Tom Zillich’s reporting, Bublé addressed the crowd to praise the initiative as a massive community addition and promised to perform at the venue’s grand-opening concert. Co-owner Ron Toigo also confirmed the expected 2030 timeline for Bublé’s opening performance. Bublé remarked on his decades spent in arenas, noting that such venues become integral parts of community memories where fans watch their favorite teams and artists.
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Did you know? The site of the new City Centre Arena is located at 10355 King George Blvd., where a Sobeys-owned Safeway store operated its final day of business on May 29, 2021, before the city secured the property through a strategic land swap with Wesgroup Properties.
Political Debate and Funding Concerns
While Mayor Locke champions the development as a transformative city-building project expected to create over 2,700 jobs, opposition candidates have raised significant fiscal questions. Surrey First Councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis criticized the financial burden on residents during a press event on Sept. 10, arguing that taxpayers are on the hook while voters request neighbourhood facilities instead of a major arena. Former mayor and Surrey Safe Coalition mayoral candidate Doug McCallum similarly challenged the land acquisition strategy, though Locke firmly defended the project’s economic viability and stated that all contracts are signed ahead of the upcoming Oct. 17 civic election.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the new Surrey arena scheduled to open?
According to city officials and project stakeholders, the City Centre Arena and Entertainment District is anticipated to be completed by 2030.
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Who will be the anchor tenant for the arena?
The Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants will anchor the new venue, moving from their previous home at the Langley Events Centre.
What is the estimated cost of the Surrey development?
The net estimated cost of the project is $360 million, which city projections indicate will yield $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the decade following its completion.
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