Western Community College (WCC), Lark Groupand ICT Group are pleased to officially break ground on City Centre 5, a landmark new development in Surrey's rapidly growing Health and Technology District. Developed in joint partnership between all three organizations, the project will become Surrey's first purpose-built on-campus student housing residence. UniLodge Canada will oversee operations and management of the student residence upon completion.
Image rendering of City Centre 5 in the Health and Technology District in Surrey, future home of Western Community College's on-campus student housing residence.
City Centre 5 is a 23-storey, 182,000-square-foot student housing residence featuring 810 student beds designed to support the growing demand for high-quality, accessible housing for post-secondary students in Surrey. Construction is scheduled for completion in Fall 2028, with WCC expected to welcome its first students shortly thereafter.
"We are incredibly proud to deliver Surrey's first student housing development project designed to meet the growing demand for affordable, high-quality accommodation for post-secondary students right here in Surrey," says Kirk Fisher, CEO of Lark Group. "This collaboration brings together Lark Group and ICT Group's experience in construction and development, Western Community College's deep commitment to student success, and UniLodge Canada's globally recognized expertise in student housing management. Together, we are creating an environment where students can live, learn, and thrive in a vibrant innovation-driven community."
Strategically located adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital and steps from King George SkyTrain Station, City Centre 5 is part of the broader Health and Technology District, an eleven-phase master-planned development by Lark Group and ICT Group that will include nine City Centre buildings. The District is designed to bring together healthcare, education, business, and technology organizations into one integrated innovation ecosystem that supports British Columbia's growing economy.
Western Community College has continued to expand its footprint within the District through its City Centre 3 and flagship City Centre 4 campuses, positioning students at the centre of Surrey's growing education, healthcare, and technology corridor.
With the addition of City Centre 5, this state-of-the-art student accommodation features a range of studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom units tailored to suit students' lifestyles. It offers semi-private bathrooms, communal kitchen and dining areas, fitness centre, gaming room and theatre, study rooms, laundry facilities and indoor/outdoor lounges. It's close to transit, retail shops, dining options, healthcare services, and integrated daycare facilities to support both the learning and professional community.
"This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to creating environments where students can truly thrive," said Gurpal Dhaliwal, President of Western Community College. "Purpose-built student housing integrated into Surrey's Health and Technology District strengthens the live-learn ecosystem we are building, one that supports academic success, student wellbeing, and meaningful engagement with the community and industry."
UniLodge Canada will oversee the day-to-day operations of the purpose-built student housing, delivering a professionally managed living environment designed to support student wellbeing, safety, and community connection. Drawing on decades of international experience, UniLodge Canada's operational approach includes on-site management, resident support services, and curated community programming that fosters social engagement and a sense of belonging.
"As a Canadian-owned and operated company, we are proud of our legacy as one of the world's leading student housing operators, with projects across Australia and New Zealand," said Mike Porritt, Chief Development Officer at UniLodge Canada. "This partnership with ICT Group, Lark Group and Western Community College marks our first operational contract in Canada and will serve as the flagship for our Western Canadian operations. We look forward to supporting student success by creating a safe, engaging, and supportive living experience where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally."
The area surrounding Surrey Memorial Hospital is rapidly emerging as one of British Columbia's leading education and health innovation corridors, attracting significant institutional investment from organizations including UBC and SFU.
UBC currently operates several programs within the Health and Technology District's City Centre 1 building, including its Nurse Practitioner program and Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy programs. In 2021, UBC also announced a $70-million acquisition of adjacent property intended to support future academic development through a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Meanwhile, Simon Fraser University is expanding its Surrey campus near Surrey Central SkyTrain Station with plans for a dedicated medical school as part of a new mixed-use development.
"As Surrey continues to attract students, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the region, the need for student housing has become increasingly important," said Mayor Brenda Locke, City of Surrey. "As Surrey's first purpose-built student housing development, this landmark project will help strengthen the city's growing academic ecosystem and support the continued evolution of the Health & Technology District as a centre for learning, innovation, and opportunity."
