Surrey, B.C. — September 10, 2026
A major new chapter in Surrey’s City Centre development has begun with demolition officially getting underway at the site of the planned 10,000-seat City Centre Arena, a project expected to become a major sports and entertainment destination in the region.
Demolition crews have begun dismantling the former Safeway building at 10355 King George Blvd., marking the start of demolition and site preparation work for the first phase of the City Centre Arena and Entertainment District.
The milestone was marked Thursday by Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, members of Surrey City Council, Vancouver Giants majority owner Ron Toigo and Vancouver Giants co-owner Michael Bublé.
For Surrey, the beginning of demolition represents a visible change at a site that has been the subject of planning and discussion as the city continues to develop its City Centre into a major urban, commercial, residential and entertainment hub.
“This is an exciting step forward for one of the most significant city-building projects in Surrey’s history,” Mayor Brenda Locke said. “It’s a powerful reminder that big things are happening in Surrey and that our vision for City Centre is taking shape.”
Future Home of the Vancouver Giants
One of the most significant components of the project is its connection to the Vancouver Giants, who are expected to make the new arena their future home.
The 10,000-seat facility is planned not only as a venue for hockey but as a broader sports and entertainment facility capable of hosting major events, concerts and cultural activities.
The City has described the arena as the centrepiece of Surrey’s new entertainment district.
The project is expected to help create a new destination in Surrey for residents, visitors, sports fans and people attending major entertainment and cultural events.
The development also comes as Surrey continues to experience significant growth and investment in its City Centre area.
Larger Entertainment District Planned
The arena is only one component of the larger development.
According to the City of Surrey, the City Centre Arena and Entertainment District is planned to include a luxury hotel, conference space and residential development.
The combination of an arena, hospitality facilities, conference space and residential development is intended to create an integrated destination rather than a stand-alone sports facility.
The development could also provide a new location for major events that attract visitors from Surrey, Metro Vancouver and beyond.
The arena is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, providing a significantly larger event venue in Surrey and potentially expanding the types of sporting, entertainment and cultural events that can be hosted in the city.
Economic Impact and Jobs
The City of Surrey estimates that the project will have a significant economic impact.
The project has a net estimated cost of $360 million and is expected to generate approximately $2.4 billion in economic benefits over the next decade, according to the City.
The development is also projected to generate more than 2,700 jobs across Surrey and British Columbia.
Bill Aujla, President and CEO of the Surrey City Development Corporation, described the beginning of demolition as an important transition from planning to action.
“This project represents an important investment in Surrey’s future, creating a facility that will generate lasting economic, cultural, sport and community benefits for residents and the broader region, and today’s demolition marks the transition from years of planning to action,” Aujla said.
The economic impact is expected to extend beyond the construction period, with the completed arena and surrounding entertainment district anticipated to bring visitors, events, workers and additional economic activity to the area.
Completion Expected in 2030
The City of Surrey says the City Centre Arena and Entertainment District is anticipated to be completed in 2030.
The start of demolition therefore represents the beginning of a multi-year construction process that will eventually transform the current site into a major new development.
The project is expected to progress through several stages, beginning with demolition and site preparation before moving into the major construction phase.
The City’s current project information identifies the 10,000-seat arena and public plaza as the first phase of the broader development.
As construction progresses, questions around the project’s cost, financing, construction schedule, traffic, parking, transit access and long-term economic impact are expected to remain important issues for Surrey residents.
A Major Change for Surrey City Centre
The arena project represents another significant step in the transformation of Surrey City Centre.
For supporters, the development promises a new major venue capable of attracting sports, concerts, cultural events and other large-scale gatherings to Surrey.
The future home of the Vancouver Giants could also strengthen Surrey’s profile as a destination for professional and major junior sports while creating new opportunities for businesses, hospitality providers and other organizations in the surrounding area.
With demolition now underway, the project has moved from planning and preparation into a visible construction phase.
For residents and businesses around King George Boulevard and Surrey City Centre, the coming years are expected to bring significant changes as the arena and broader entertainment district take shape.
The City Centre Arena and Entertainment District is currently expected to be completed in 2030.
GKM Media TV will continue to follow the development of the Surrey City Centre Arena, including construction progress, project costs, economic impact, the Vancouver Giants’ future move and the broader transformation of Surrey City Centre.
