Thind Properties plans to convert new office spaces into hotel rooms in Burnaby’s Metrotown area.

Burnaby city council voiced support for the rezoning plan this week. According to a rezoning application submitted to the city, Thind is applying to convert 10 floors of its 48-storey, mixed-use Townline tower at 6505 Sussex Avenue into 159 hotel rooms. The ground floor would also contain a hotel lobby.

The higher levels comprise 336 condominium units.

The office-conversion project differs from most others in that the building is new. Thind, a local developer, completed the project in 2023. Most office redevelopments have involved older properties.

Downtown Vancouver office demand has remained relatively strong amid the sector’s global downturn. But suburban Vancouver nodes have grappled with high vacancy. Thind’s plan also defies a general flight to quality.

The property is located at the corner of Sussex and Beresford streets, a short walk south of the Metrotown SkyTrain station, Cadillac Fairview’s huge Metropolis at Metrotown mall and the Station Square shopping centre.

There is strong demand for hotel rooms in the area, with a Hilton and Holiday Inn situated nearby, and intense office market competition with three Metrotown office buildings adjacent to the retail facilities and SkyTrain statin.

City council will vote on the rezoning application at a later date.

Pictured: Thind’s Townline mixed-use property stands above other office and residential towers in Burnaby, Metrotown area.

Image: Townline.com/Thind Properties