Have your say regarding proposed Lansdowne Centre redevelopment

One of the most recognizable malls in Richmond, Lansdowne Centre, is due for a major overhaul. News of the potential upgrade has been swirling since 2015, following a conceptual area plan released by the City of Richmond showing a projected density of 31,000 residents living in the neighbourhood by 2041.

Property owner Vanprop Investments approached the city with ideas of tearing down the structure, currently sitting on 50 acres of prime real estate at 5300 No. 3 Road, and in its place building 24 mixed-use commercial-residential towers. The city has responded asking the applicant to draft a proposal guiding the future project, which include requested amendments to Richmond’s Official Community Plan and City Centre Area Plan.

Vanprop is hosting an informal public drop-in session at the mall tomorrow, Wednesday Feb. 22 in unit #210 (west of the food court) from 5 to 8 p.m., to give people a chance to learn about the proposed redevelopment, meet representatives from the involved parties, give comments and concerns as well as fill out a feedback form. There will be display boards put up providing additional detailed information.

Those unable to attend can send in their thoughts online at www.letstalkrichmond.ca until March 4. All data gathered will be compiled and presented to council for consideration.

Lansdowne Centre has already been subject to significant changes in recent years, first losing long-time tenant Zellers after a Target Canada takeover, which quickly failed and is finally being replaced by the T&T Supermarket chain this summer. In 2015, Future Shop also permanently shuttered its doors.

The shopping mall first opened for business back in 1977 amidst a rapidly modernizing Richmond, and was the original site of a horseracing track.