Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Surrey has reached an agreement in principle with the Surrey City Development Corporation to build a new 10,000-seat arena in the city’s downtown, with the Vancouver Giants set to become the facility’s anchor tenant.
The City Centre Arena and Cultural Event Centre is expected to open in 2030 and will serve as a venue for major sporting events, concerts and cultural performances. The city estimates the project will generate $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade.
“When we say big things are happening in Surrey, we mean it, and a new arena of this scale is as big as it gets,” Mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement. “Bringing this arena to Surrey means jobs, investment, conference capacity, and major sports, arts and entertainment like never before.”
The city estimates the project will have a net cost of $360 million. Funding was included in Surrey’s 2026 budget.
The project will also include a luxury hotel, conference space and residential development, creating what the city describes as a new sports and entertainment district in Surrey City Centre.
The arena will be built on a five-acre site at 10355 King George Blvd., across from Surrey City Hall and Surrey Central SkyTrain Station.
Land will be acquired through a proposed swap agreement. Under the arrangement, the city would receive the King George Boulevard property in exchange for three city-owned parcels located at 2750 194A St., 19165 39 Ave. and 12820-12842 96 Ave.
The Vancouver Giants will relocate to the new arena when it is completed.
“We are thrilled to be part of this amazing venue that will change the face of Surrey like never before,” Giants majority owner and president Ron Toigo said in a statement. “Exciting times for Surrey and it’s great to be a part of it.”
“Bringing together this new parcel of land, with experienced parties to build, operate and tenant this new 10,000-seat arena, is going to unlock significant opportunities for the City,” said Bill Aujla, president and chief executive officer of the Surrey City Development Corporation.
Council is also releasing an assessment of the proposed land exchange transaction as the project moves forward.
