Broadmead Village To Be Redeveloped
Aug 23, 2012
(News Release) VICTORIA — Saanich Council voted unanimously August 20 at a Committee of the Whole meeting to ratify the Development Permit Amendment for Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. Based on community and municipal feedback the applicant, Grosvenor Americas, has made adjustments to signage specifications as well as some minor design changes from its original design submission including relocating parking stalls to facilitate access to the Breezeway entrance and handicap access design elements for two new kiosks. Work is anticipated to begin on the Centre in September.
“We worked with the community and its Associations to ensure collaboration early in the process. We wanted people to understand the intentions of the renovation and its benefits to the community,” says Alison Miles Cork, Senior Asset Manager, Grosvenor Americas. “Change is an important part of ensuring Broadmead Village continues to reflect the needs and values of the community and builds a sense of place.”
The proposed changes are supported by the Broadmead Area Residents Association, which provided input during the initial design phase. A public open house held at Broadmead Village at the end of March also presented an opportunity for the public to view the renovation designs, ask questions and provide feedback.
The first phase of renovations will begin in the Breezeway area. New amenities include an interactive water feature, a glass pavilion to provide covered seating, an outdoor fireplace, two new retail kiosks, new directional signage and a new community board.
Subsequent phases will focus on the building facades, implementing a more West Coast contemporary design with a combination of wood, stone, glass and brick and additional border plantings throughout the centre. Wood and glass canopies will replace existing fabric awnings to allow more natural light into the Centre. Sustainability features include permeable pavers, energy efficient storefront glazing and LED lighting for signage and wayfinding. Through infilling and the addition of two kiosks, 1,900 square feet of retail space will be added.
Pedestrian-friendly design considerations include widened and more defined pedestrian walkways, raised crosswalks, railings and other elements to better separate walking and driving areas and a more integrated wayfinding program.
“We were very pleased to see Council is supportive of the changes and the investment in the community through the creation of people spaces,” says Miles Cork. “The feedback we have received has demonstrated to us just how vital Broadmead Village is to the community. We will continue to be engaged with the community in a meaningful way.”
Grosvenor is a privately owned property group with offices in some of the world’s most dynamic cities. It has regional investment and development businesses in Britain & Ireland, the Americas, Continental Europe, Australia and Asia Pacific. Grosvenor’s international fund management business operates across all these markets. Unusual for a private company, Grosvenor publishes a full Annual Report & Accounts, available at www.grosvenor.com.