Nothing is in the ground yet, but commercial development in South Riel is one step closer to reality after city council rezoned 54 hectares of land for a planned regional shopping centre.
The decision on Monday received unanimous consent from council, and allows landowner Hopewell Developments Inc. to seek out future tenants for its shopping centre in the southern part of South Riel.
“The zoning was a huge, necessary step towards the development of the site,” said Ron Holowatuk, Hopewell’s vice-president of retail.
Staff at city hall said there are still a number of steps to go through before construction begins, and St. Albert’s goal of reaching an 80/20 non-residential to residential tax assessment is still a few years away.
“We don’t have a specific timeline as to when we could expect a subdivision application or design to come in,” said development manager Jim Killoh.
Following an area structure plan that was approved in 2007, the new land-use district is the latest step to develop an area of the city that’s remained empty for nearly 30 years.
Although subject to change, Holowatuk envisions a shopping centre that’s not only environmentally friendly, but also visible from the future Anthony Henday Drive ring road, which he believes will be key to attracting both businesses and consumers.
“Obviously with the road construction that’s going on [there] that’s promising and necessary for it to be a strong site,” Holowatuk said.
The plan includes prominent signage that will be visible from the highway and the future LeClair Way (137th Avenue). It will feature green spaces that include bio-retention cells and bioswales to enhance drainage and sustainability.
The overall design encourages a ‘park-once’ philosophy that makes stores more accessible for pedestrians, and also includes bicycle parking, Holowatuk said.
According to Killoh the city hasn’t seen anything yet in terms of the shopping centre’s final layout, but Holowatuk said Hopewell is already in discussions with possible tenants and wants construction to begin as soon as possible.
“It will be as soon as possible based on the demand,” Holowatuk said. “The possibilities are obviously led by economics [and] capital constrains in this day and age.”
The development has caught the eye of at least one city councillor who’s in support.
Coun. James Burrows said Monday’s decision was a fantastic step forward for the city, and he believes construction could begin sooner rather than later.
“For them to come on Monday night like they did and ask for this change, obviously they want to do something now,” said Burrows. “They see an opportunity and they’re going for it, which is good for the city.”
The other major landowner in South Riel, Beaverbrook Developments, received council’s support for its rezoning request last year.
