Grosvenor has started construction on Phase 1 of Brentwood Block, a transformative 7.9-acre pedestrian-focused, masterplan community in Burnaby. The initial phase includes a 41-storey residential strata tower, two rental towers, a new 100,000 square foot Brentwood Community Centre and 180,000 square feet of commercial.  

“Brentwood Block represents a bold step forward in urban development and a significant milestone for Grosvenor in the region,” says James Patillo, Chief Development Officer of Grosvenor’s North American property business. “With Grosvenor’s 350-year history, we take a long-term approach that enables us to navigate market fluctuations while continuing to invest in projects that deliver lasting value and strengthen communities. Brentwood Block stands as a testament to that vision—addressing urgent housing needs with 1,279 rental homes in Phase 1, one of the largest rental offerings in Metro Vancouver. We’re proud to contribute to the region’s housing goals through thoughtful, sustainable design that improves quality of life for generations to come.”  

Spanning an entire city block, Brentwood Block is Grosvenor’s largest mixed-use development in North America and is the first project in Brentwood to be entirely pedestrian-focused, with cars accessing the underground from the site’s periphery. The development prioritizes green landscapes and public spaces, with an abundance of courtyards and plazas that encourage community interaction.  Retail and dining are woven throughout, with patios spilling into public areas and a mix of cafés and restaurants offering everyday gathering spots for residents and neighbours alike. 

“We’ve spent many years planning Brentwood Block because we believe in the potential of this neighbourhood and this development’s role in addressing the region’s housing needs,” said Marc Josephson, Senior Vice President of Development at Grosvenor. “We are pleased to be starting construction and to be leading the way in Brentwood at a time when large-scale residential starts are increasingly rare. We’ve had strong sales to date, with buyers who are excited about our vision for a uniquely pedestrian-first neighbourhood with new public amenities, thoughtfully designed homes and real community infrastructure. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with the City of Burnaby, and together with our capital partners, we look forward to helping Brentwood reach its full potential as one of the most complete, connected, and well-serviced urban communities in Metro Vancouver.”

The new Brentwood Community Centre is incorporated into the masterplan, and close to the Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain station, is estimated to attract well over one million visitors to the site annually. Grosvenor will oversee the construction of this multi-level facility, which will be owned and operated by the City of Burnaby. Completion of the Community Centre is anticipated for late 2029. 

“The Brentwood Community Centre will be an outstanding community focal point for the entire Brentwood Town Centre, providing much needed space for individuals, families and seniors to gather together and enjoy Burnaby’s fantastic recreation programs,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “And we’re excited to see this neighbourhood continue to grow with forward thinking, community-oriented developments like Brentwood Block.”

Upon completion of the entire master-plan, which includes both Phase 1 and Phase 2, Brentwood Block will transform into a dynamic, mixed-use community featuring roughly 3,500 new homes, including 2,450 rental homes, 50,000 square feet of green and public space, and approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial space. 

Located within one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing communities, the development leverages innovative design principles to set a new standard for large-scale, pedestrian-focused, transit-oriented projects. Brentwood Block will embrace and exceed the City of Burnaby’s sustainability requirements and will align with Grosvenor’s corporate commitment to net-zero carbon in operational emissions from all directly managed buildings by 2030.  

To celebrate the start of construction on Phase 1, Grosvenor will be hosting a special community event, akin to their popular Brentwood Block Party series which attracted thousands of people from the community between 2020-2022. This milestone event will be open to the public on June 14 from 12 - 3pm and will take place at the Brentwood Block Presentation Centre parking lot located at 4664 Lougheed Highway. There will be live music, food trucks and a market where visitors can shop and support local artisans. 

For more information, visit BrentwoodBlock.com