Full Breakdown
Surrey Begins Demolition of Former Safeway Site to Make Way for City Centre Arena
By Drooid · · How we work
Demolition Launches New City Centre Arena Project
In September 2026, demolition started on the former Safeway building at King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia. Mayor Brenda Locke operated an excavator to begin clearing the site that will host a 10,000-seat arena, a luxury hotel, conference space and housing. The arena will serve as the new home for the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, who currently play at the Langley Events Centre.
Background and Project Scope
The city announced a “strategic land swap” with Wesgroup Properties, exchanging three parcels of municipal land valued at roughly $116 million for the former Safeway site. The Safeway store, owned by Sobeys, closed on May 29, 2021. The City Centre Arena project is budgeted at an estimated net cost of $360 million, with $198 million coming from Surrey’s five-year budget. The development is slated for completion in 2030.
Data & Statistics
- Estimated net cost: $360 million (city estimate).
- Municipal contribution: $198 million from the five-year budget.
- Land-swap value: ? $116 million.
- Projected economic benefit: $2.4 billion over ten years (city projection).
- Expected job creation: 2,700 jobs regionally.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is going to be a huge addition to the community,” — Events Centre. Michael Bublé
- “This is an exciting step forward for one of the most significant city-building projects in Surrey’s history,” — Brenda Locke, mayor
