Community phasing

Sometimes the term “mixed-use community” is used to refer to little more than street-level retail below residential buildings. However, what is being envisioned for Harbourside goes well above and beyond the typical definition of a mixed-use community. By combining  216,000 square feet of high-quality office space, 100,000 square feet of hotel and 55,000 square feet of retail with 795,000 square feet of residential within 18 buildings on 12 acres, Harbourside will be a truly diverse and complete community.   

During the envisioning process, time was spent considering how these mixed uses would relate to each other and how a phasing plan could create “mini-communities” that support and complement each other while working towards the establishment of an authentic sense of place at Harbourside. (click here for a diagram that compliments the below description of phases)

Phase one: The first phase will be the catalyst for Harbourside waterfront and create momentum for the community that is sure to accelerate as the other phases are completed. This phase proposes four residential buildings, of seven to nine storeys, which integrate street-level retail and office space. Particular attention will be given to the selection of retail tenants to emphasize unique and local businesses and establish a tone for Harbourside as an area with a distinctive sense of place. There will also be a seven-storey office building that includes “store front office” space – think medical office or insurance agent. 

Phase two: The second phase will build upon the “heart of the neighbourhood” established in the first phase. In addition to a proposed hotel at the foot of Fell Avenue, four residential buildings between seven to nine storeys are envisioned with a mixture of office and retail space.

Phase three: The third phase will be a balanced mix of office and residential uses. Two five-storey office buildings are proposed for  the eastern edge of the site and provide a buffer between the neighbouring Seaspan facility and the residential buildings in this phase. Two, seven-storey residential buildings with “store front office” fronting Harbourside Drive would provide the residential component of the phase.  

Phase four: Harbourside’s final phase will emphasize residential use while adding rental homes to the community. Three residential buildings, seven to nine storeys in height, will be combined with a seven-storey residential rental building.

It should be noted this proposed phasing and development plan is far from static. The team’s ongoing community consultation, collaboration with the City and changes in market demand for residential and commercial space will all have an effect on Concert’s evolving vision for Harbourside. Over the course of the 10-15 years it will take to construct this master-planned community, the team will continually monitor and adapt their plans in order to create one of the most dynamic mixed-use communities in the Lower Mainland.