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[amor de cosmos]

$200 million development proposed for Sooke
By Pirjo Raits - Sooke News Mirror
Published: March 20, 2009 10:45 AM
Updated: March 20, 2009 12:15 PM

A 340-unit townhouse and condo development is being proposed for Sooke. Mariners Village, which will be located on close to 12 acres in the centre of Sooke is being proposed by Mike Barrie and a group of investors.

The site is located in proximity to the Manuel Quimper Motel and Mariner's Motel and Marina along Sooke Road.

Spokespersons from Merrick Architectural and the Focus Group, along with Barrie, were on hand at a public information meeting held at the Sooke Community Hall on March 19 to answer questions from the public.

The $200 million development, at build out, will have 240 condo units, 100 townhouses as well as 10,000 sq. metres of commercial space, 5,000 sq. metres of office space as well as retail space and an expanded marina.

A public wharf and possible boardwalk are all in the plans.

When asked when they expect to turn over the first shovel full of dirt, Barrie said, "we don't want to be presumptuous, we want public feedback. It's tough to give a time line. The best answer is we would love to get going, we're motivated to start."

Barrie said the development would be a big boost to the city and the economy.

"Sooke is fairly under-served and under-developed. We see an opportunity here, there hasn't been much happening."

The project is in six phases and is expected to take up to 10 years to complete.

"As fast as we can sell we can build," said Barrie.

The prices, he said, will be in the mid-range.

"We will build high-end without the high-end price."

Barrie is also involved as a small investor and shareholder in the Bear Mountain development.

http://www.bclocalne..._for_Sooke.html

[Mike K.]

This project is moving ahead now. Official website here.

[Koru]

This project is moving ahead now. Official website here.

It is? I haven't seen 4/5ths of anything starting up down there yet and I drive by it everyday! I'll have to pop down for a closer look with the camera!

[cam]

Again this week District of Sooke staff say this project is still a go to start around April 2010. I've noticed a few weeks back that an achitecture company now has their sign on the property. This is quite the development if it actually takes off.

[cam]

Still a go for April to start road construction, first building will be a 30+/- unit condo.

[cam]

This project is moving ahead now. Official website here.

Website is actually up and running now. No prices listed yet. Will be impressive once completed. I am definately interested to see what businesses will occupy the commercial spaces.

[G-Man]

Where exactly is this?

[Mike K.]

That's quite an ambitious masterplan.

From http://marinersvilla...Masterplan.aspx



I'm also stumped about the location. The website only approximates it.

[G-Man]

No kidding the map shows half the island.

Some of those pics showed mega yachts so this is obviously an evil plan built solely for the elite.

[pseudotsuga]

looks like it is here.

[cam]

looks like it is here.

That's exactly where it is. The total property is around 12 acres.

As far as pricing goes...

I am sure that it wont be "inexpensive", but I don't think this development will be able to aim specifically to the elite. There just isn't the huge demand for that type of property/dwelling in Sooke right now (Erinan or Heron View). If Mariner's Village plans to build this out (which they've stated will be 8-10 years, or as short as 6 if sales are above expectations), then they will need to price appropriately.

On the other hand, this development is going to be the "New Town Core" for Sooke. This is meant to be the catalyst that changes the face of downtown Sooke forever. So having a waterfront/waterview condo or townhouse may turn out to be a pretty darn good investment in 10-15 years from now...if they sell.

[gumgum]

I can't see this project going ahead any time soon.

[Maverick]

Is this the same project that Len Barrie`s brother is involved in?

[VicHockeyFan]

Is this the same project that Len Barrie`s brother is involved in?

Yes. Mike Barrie, Len's brother, and also former Salmon King!

Here's his stats with Victoria:

30G 5G 18A 23P 42Pim

[cam]

Drove by on Wednesday, excavators now on site. According to the District of Sooke, a development permit has been submitted as well.

[cam]

Site prep still taking place.

*Rumour* is that the first condo building will have prices starting at $249,000 and be completed for around September 2011.

We shall see...

[cam]

Site prep still taking place.

*Rumour* is that the first condo building will have prices starting at $249,000 and be completed for around September 2011.

We shall see...

To add to that:

Total build out is approved for 475 units, not the 340 stated in the original article. Also a 170+ slip marina, medical space, and some 500' of boardwalk to eventually meet up with the 1100' boardwalk at Ed Macgregor Park.

[cam]

Development permits for the first 2 phases of buildings has been taken out. 33 unit condo, and 4 - 4 unit townhomes. Apparently sales have been higher than expected and the 3rd phase will be coming on sooner than anticipated.

The old Manual Quimper Motel is being used as a classroom for the International Association of Arson Investigators this week. Come Monday, the motel will be flattened and utilities will be going in.

[Mike K.]

I'm sure the arson investigators will do a fine job of flattening the old motel

Thanks for the update, Cam.

[concorde]

They have tendered all the work so construction should start soon, however, with Len Barrie's brother behind the project I am not expecting a smooth sailing