Surrey’s urban design panel has approved the design of a 55-storey, mixed-use tower which will be the tallest building in the city.
The $271 million GEC Education Mega Center will consist of 550,000 sq ft. of mixed-use retail, residential and hotel space aimed at domestic and international students.
Fifteen to twenty educational institutions will be located within the tower, and there will be hotel rooms and apartments for up to 1,400 students.
The GEC Education Mega Center is being developed by CIBT Education Group, owners of Sprott Shaw College.
Amenities will include:
- electronic library
- cafeteria
- computer centre
- study areas
- quiet lounges
- fitness centre
- yoga room
- laundry room
- meeting and video conference rooms
- office space
- penthouse lounge on floor 55
“The Education Mega Center is expected to add substantial value to the B.C. education sector by providing a turn-key platform for a variety of educational institutions wishing to expand their presence to B.C.,” said Toby Chu, chairman, president and CEO of CIBT Education Group.
“Based on current data, the building will be approximately 30 to 100 feet taller than the Hotel Georgia residence tower, Sheraton Wall Centre and the recently-completed Trump Tower, and about 20 feet shorter than the Shangri-La hotel, all located in downtown Vancouver. Upon completion, the Education Mega Center will become an iconic landmark and the tallest building in the city of Surrey,” he added.
Final approval for the GEC Education Mega Center will go to Surrey city council September 11, 2017.
