Surrey approves 10,000-seat arena with Vancouver Giants as anchor tenant

A new 10,000-seat arena has been approved by the City of Surrey and the Surrey City Development Corporation.

The Vancouver Giants, who currently play in Langley, will be the facility's anchor tenant.

"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 press release. "Bringing this arena to Surrey means jobs, investment, conference capacity, and major sports, arts and entertainment like never before. We're already the economic powerhouse of the region, and this is another step in Surrey’s rise as a world-class city."

Her sentiments were shared by Ron Toigo, majority owner and president of the Vancouver Giants.

"We are thrilled to be part of this amazing venue that will change the face of Surrey like never before," he said. "Exciting times for Surrey and it’s great to be a part of it."

The City Centre Arena and Cultural Event Centre is projected to be completed by 2030, at a cost of around $360 million. It will be located on a five-acre parcel of land across from city hall and Surrey Central SkyTrain Station that the city acquired in exchange for three municipally-owned plots elsewhere.

In addition to the arena, the complex will include a luxury hotel, conference space, and housing, which officials predict will "help create a new sports and entertainment district that will attract investment, support economic growth and expand Surrey's capacity to host major events."

The project is predicted to generate $2.4 billion in economic benefits for Surrey over the next decade.