A seniors’ housing project slated for the civic centre in Pitt Meadows that was turfed almost two years ago has been revived.
Mayor Don MacLean opened Tuesday’s council meeting by announcing that The Wesbrooke will finally occupy a vacant piece of land near the city’s recreation centre.
“This is something council has wanted for a very long time and we are delighted that Allegro has stayed focused on turning this complex into a reality for our community.”
Originally scheduled to open in late 2009, the seniors’ housing project was put on hold when the economic recession hit B.C.
Allegro Properties president Pat De Luca spent a year looking for another partner.
De Luca said he found that commitment in B.C.- based League Assets Corporation, a real estate investment company.
“The [economic] climate has gotten better,” he added. “The partnership group now is stronger than before and the financial side is much stronger to finance the construction.”
Once built, the four-storey complex called The Wesbrooke will house 71 independent living rental suites and 31 assisted living units.
It will also boast a 9,500-square-foot, public seniors’ centre with a large hall and stage, arts and crafts room, lounge, billiards and multipurpose rooms.
Allegro will build the complex and manage it.
“We are here for the long haul,” said De Luca, who assures there is a strong interest from people to live in The Wesbrooke.
“Already there is quite a buzz in the community. We have a list of many, many people who were interested in the project and those who had reserved a unit.”
Ridge Meadows Seniors’ Society, which has more than 300 members from Pitt Meadows, is delighted the project has been resurrected.
“As a member of the original planning committee, we have looked forward to this day for five years and can hardly wait to open the doors and grow a multitude of programs and services, from hot lunch to drama club,” said Sandra Caddo, with the Pitt Meadows seniors’ advisory committee.
“The new space will be spectacular.”
Allegro is currently in the process of applying for a development permit and hopes to begin construction within the next 30 to 60 days.
The Wesbrooke is slated to open in spring 2012.