Oxford Properties to develop Canada’s first multi-level distribution centre
by CMO Staff
Comprising 707,000 square feet over two levels, the project will be built at Oxford's Riverbend Business Park in Burnaby, B.C
Rendering of multi-storey industrial distribution facility at Riverbend Business Park in Burnaby, B.C. The second storey is accessible to full-size transport trailers via a heated ramp. PHOTO: Oxford Properties
VANCOUVER — Property developer Oxford Properties Group has unveiled its plans to develop what it describes as Canada’s first large bay multi-level distribution centre.
Comprising 707,000 square feet over two levels, the project will be built at Oxford’s Riverbend Business Park in Burnaby, B.C.
“Vancouver is one of the tightest industrial markets in the world and space for businesses that service the region — be it through manufacturing, logistics or e-commerce — is in critically short supply,” said Jeff Miller, head of Industrial at Oxford Properties, in a prepared statement. “This shortage requires bold solutions and progressive approaches, and we have studied innovative industrial projects from across the globe to inform our plan to develop Canada’s first multi-level property. By doing so, we can add density to the already established Riverbend Business park, a former brownfield site, without the need to encroach on greenfield or agricultural land.”
Oxford’s development will be on two levels. The ground floor comprises 437,000 square feet with 32-foot clear heights. The second storey, which is accessible to full-size transport trailers via a heated ramp, consists of 270,000 square feet, 28-foot clear heights and a 130-foot truck court.
Anticipated for completion in 2022, Oxford says the building at Riverbend Business Park can provide a single customer 707,000 square feet of contiguous space, making it the largest available industrial property in the Greater Vancouver Area. Conversely, the two floors can be operated and occupied independently and further demised to accommodate multiple customers as small as 70,000 square feet.
“Over the last ten years, we have built close to five million square feet of industrial space across Canada. Each park starts with a vision through collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders. We are excited to bring the first modern multi-storey industrial facility to Canada” said Rob Wheler, vice-president of Development at Oxford Properties, also in a statement.
Oxford is in the process obtaining the required planning and permitting and has begun initial site preparation work.
