The new owner of Mayfair Mall has released a long-term vision for the facility that would see it become a mixed-use destination including housing.
Central Walk says it has contacted the City of Victoria to launch a consultation with the community about the future of the shopping mall.
“Over the coming months, residents of Greater Victoria will have numerous opportunities to provide their input on the development principles proposed for Vancouver Island’s most productive shopping centre,” Central Walk said in a statement Thursday.
While Central Walk says the long-term vision will evolve based on community feedback, it includes a “significant offering” of housing, retail, food and beverage, recreation, civic and educational opportunities.
“In our path forward at Mayfair, our intention is to accelerate the Burnside Gorge Community by creating a contemporary, inclusive, and accessible social-commercial community gathering hub that combines commercial, residential, and semi-public uses,” said Central Walk director of asset management Valen Tam.
The developer will host a series of open houses this fall and plans on submitting an official community plan and rezoning amendment next spring.
A rendering of Central Walk’s vision for Mayfair Shopping Centre.
Central Walk says it has secured the services of local architect firm Cascadia to spearhead the proposal to the city, with support from Ascend Planning, which will engage the community.
“This includes working closely with the Burnside Gorge Community Association to ensure that the needs of those closest to the project will be attended to,” the company said.
The land use chair of the association, Avery Stetski, said while they have not formally reviewed any application the group looks forward to receiving the proposal.
“We acknowledge that this is a significant project for the City, and we are pleased to work with the owners and their representatives to ensure our community’s ideas and suggestions are heard,” said Stetski.
Open houses will begin Nov. 1-2 and those interested in registering to attend the events can visit Mayfair’s website.
Mayfair Shopping Centre was sold earlier this year to Central Walk, the same company that purchased the Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo last year.
Jeff Lawrence
