Demolition of the former North Surrey Recreation Centre has officially begun following Surrey City Council’s approval for the project in late 2024. This milestone marks a significant step in the development of the highly anticipated Centre Block, a transformative mixed-use project that will redefine the heart of Surrey’s downtown City Centre.

“The North Surrey Recreation Centre has served the community for many years and it was a place where so many great memories were made,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “While its demolition marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of an exciting transformation for the city. The development of Centre Block is a key step in Surrey’s ongoing journey to establish City Centre as the region’s second downtown hub. This new chapter will open opportunities for growth, innovation, and a vibrant community space that will benefit Surrey for generations to come.”

Centre Block will include two high-rise commercial office towers, ground-level retail units, and a vibrant public plaza adjacent to one of the region’s most intensively used transit hubs. The project, led by Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), will support long-term economic growth, innovation, and community engagement in Surrey’s evolving downtown core.

To ensure safety and environmental compliance, the demolition will proceed in stages, beginning with arena 1, then followed by the lobby and gym, aquatic centre, and arena 2, with anticipated completion in August 2025. Given the site’s proximity to the Surrey Central SkyTrain station and bus loop, traffic control measures and strategic scheduling will be implemented to minimize inconvenience to surrounding areas.