Colwood’s Royal Beach development is officially re-branding as the Beachlands as construction is set to get started on the $1.2 billion community.
The change was announced Saturday (July 29) afternoon as the City of Colwood’s Eats and Beats Beach Party got underway on the site, kick-starting the long-awaited shift of major city events to the site from the Esquimalt Lagoon.
“More than a beach, this expansive coastline will become Canada’s next coveted destination, one that sets an extraordinary standard for seaside communities,” said Jon Stovell, president and CEO of Reliance Properties, a co-owner of the development. “With all levels of government investing in the surrounding area, the Beachlands is a name that captures the allure and magic of a 134-acre oceanfront and shoreline that stretches 1.4 kilometres.”
The development is planned to include 2,850 homes and a mixture of commercial buildings and retail spaces. More than 47 acres of the property will be dedicated to public parks and green space, including a covered public square, nature trails, and an amphitheatre.
The developers recently submitted subdivision applications for the first two phases, plus a development permit application for a 12,000-square-foot commercial building at Metchosin Road and Latoria Boulevard which will house a public cafe and the Beachlands’ sales centre.
Developers will soon seek a development permit for two multi-family buildings and townhomes for the second phase, according to a news release.
“Colwood residents understand that our waterfront is a cherished treasure that defines our community. We’re excited to work with our partners at Seacliff Properties and Reliance Properties to realize Colwood’s potential as an exceptional cultural destination that offers a West Coast experience like no other, with parks, plazas, dining, and shopping all energized by vibrant community events like the Eats and Beats Beach Party that we’re enjoying today,” said Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi.