The new Surrey new central library on Aug. 19, 2011.
The city of Surrey continues its transformation with the announcement on Wednesday that it plans to proceed with a new performing arts centre, with renowned Vancouver-based architect Bing Thom named architectural consultant for the project.
"The City of Surrey has a half million residents and we need a major performing arts facility if we're going to create a dynamic downtown core and foster our creative economy," said Mayor Dianne Watts in a news release. "Arts and culture are at the heart and soul of a city and play an essential role in education and learning."
The facility is expected to feature a flexible main stage theatre with at least 1,600 seats, a studio theatre with about 250 seats and "other arts amenities."
Bing Thom Architects is working on site selection and is expected to deliver the project program by July, with more information related to budget, concept and timeline.
Bing Thom Architects also designed Surrey's new public library, which opened to great acclaim last year, and the central city/SFU Surrey complex, which was completed in 2004.
Marsha Lederman