Western Community College (WCC), Lark Group and ICT Group have broken ground on the first purpose-built on-campus student-housing development in Surrey, B.C.

Known as City Centre 5, will stand 23 storeys and is located in Surrey’s Health and Technology District, being developed through a partnership between the three organizations. The residence will provide 810 student beds across a 182,000 square feet. Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2028, with students expected to move in shortly afterward. UniLodge Canada will manage and operate the residence upon completion.

“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,” said 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.”

Situated next to Surrey Memorial Hospital and near King George SkyTrain Station, City Centre 5 forms part of the broader Health and Technology District, an 11-phase master-planned development by Lark Group and ICT Group. The district is intended to bring together healthcare, education, business and technology organizations within a single innovation ecosystem.

The residence will offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, along with amenities including study rooms, fitness facilities, gaming and theatre spaces, communal kitchens and lounges, laundry facilities, and indoor and outdoor gathering areas.

“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to creating environments where students can truly thrive,” said Gurpal Dhaliwal, president of WCC. “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, which will oversee day-to-day operations of the residence, said the Surrey project marks its first operational contract in Canada and will serve as the flagship for its Western Canadian operations.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said the development will help address growing demand for student accommodation as the city attracts more students, educators, researchers and healthcare professionals.

“As Surrey continues to attract students, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the region, the need for student housing has become increasingly important,” Locke said. “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.”