The University of Manitoba’s properties arm has broken ground on a $6-billion multi-residential and mixed-use development in Winnipeg.

The Southwood Circle neighbourhood will be constructed in four phases over the next two decades. The project will be located on former Southwood Golf and Country Club land.

It is believed to be the largest infill development in Winnipeg’s history. Some 20,000 residents are slated to live in the Southwood community eventually with 60,000 people accessing the university area daily.

In addition to 11,000 residential units, Southwood Circle will contain restaurants, grocery stores, other retail outlets and the future National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, according to a U of M news release and multiple media reports.

In many ways, Southwood Circle will be a model community, Greg Rogers, CEO of UM Properties said in the news release.

“That means it’s walkable, it’s diverse, it promotes active living, and it’s sustainable,” he said.