Surrey, B.C. (May 20, 2026) – ICT Group, Lark Group and Western Community College (WCC) are pleased to officially break ground on City Centre 5, a landmark new development in Surrey’s rapidly growing Health and Technology District. Developed in joint partnership between all three organizations, the project will become Surrey’s first purpose-built on-campus student housing residence. UniLodge Canada will oversee operations and management of the student residence upon completion.
City Centre 5 is a 23-storey, 182,000-square-foot student housing residence featuring 810 student beds designed to support the growing demand for high-quality, accessible housing for post-secondary students in Surrey. Construction is scheduled for completion in Fall 2028, with WCC expected to welcome its first students shortly thereafter.
“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,” says 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.”
Strategically located adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital and steps from King George SkyTrain Station, City Centre 5 is part of the broader Health and Technology District, an eleven-phase master-planned development by Lark Group and ICT Group that will include nine City Centre buildings. The District is designed to bring together healthcare, education, business, and technology organizations into one integrated innovation ecosystem that supports British Columbia’s growing economy.
Western Community College has continued to expand its footprint within the District through its City Centre 3 and flagship City Centre 4 campuses, positioning students at the centre of Surrey’s growing education, healthcare, and technology corridor.
With the addition of City Centre 5, this state-of-the-art student accommodation features a range of studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom units tailored to suit students’ lifestyles. It offers semi-private bathrooms, communal kitchen and dining areas, fitness centre, gaming room and theatre, study rooms, laundry facilities and indoor/outdoor lounges. It’s close to transit, retail shops, dining options, healthcare services, and integrated daycare facilities to support both the learning and professional community.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to creating environments where students can truly thrive,” said Gurpal Dhaliwal, President of Western Community College. “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 will oversee the day-to-day operations of the purpose-built student housing, delivering a professionally managed living environment designed to support student wellbeing, safety, and community connection. Drawing on decades of international experience, UniLodge Canada’s operational approach includes on-site management, resident support services, and curated community programming that fosters social engagement and a sense of belonging.
“As a Canadian-owned and operated company, we are proud of our legacy as one of the world’s leading student housing operators, with projects across Australia and New Zealand,” said Mike Porritt, Chief Development Officer at UniLodge Canada. “This partnership with ICT Group, Lark Group and Western Community College marks our first operational contract in Canada and will serve as the flagship for our Western Canadian operations. We look forward to supporting student success by creating a safe, engaging, and supportive living experience where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.”
The area surrounding Surrey Memorial Hospital is rapidly emerging as one of British Columbia’s leading education and health innovation corridors, attracting significant institutional investment from organizations including UBC and SFU.
UBC currently operates several programs within the Health and Technology District’s City Centre 1 building, including its Nurse Practitioner program and Master of Physical Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy programs. In 2021, UBC also announced a $70-million acquisition of adjacent property intended to support future academic development through a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Meanwhile, Simon Fraser University is expanding its Surrey campus near Surrey Central SkyTrain Station with plans for a dedicated medical school as part of a new mixed-use development.
“As Surrey continues to attract students, educators, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the region, the need for student housing has become increasingly important,” said Mayor Brenda Locke, City of Surrey. “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.”
About UniLodge Canada:
UniLodge is a leading global provider of purpose-built student accommodation, supporting thousands of students across more than 130 properties in Australia and New Zealand while being Canadian owned. UniLodge Canada has now been launched and is operating student housing in Canada with several properties operating now or coming online in addition to the Surrey project. ULC brings its proven operational expertise to major educational markets, providing trusted accommodation solutions for students and peace of mind for families. With a strong focus on safety, wellbeing, and community connection, UniLodge Canada delivers professionally managed, student-centred living environments designed to enhance both academic and personal success. Study here. Live here. Belong here. www.unilodge.ca
About Western Community College:
Western Community College is a degree-granting institution that has been delivering career-focused education that blends academic knowledge with practical experience to transform communities since 2012. With over 65 undergraduate diploma programs, along with a Bachelor’s degree program, across fields such as healthcare, hospitality, accounting, information technology, business management, aviation, education, and community support, students gain real-world knowledge, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities that help them succeed in today’s fast-paced workforce.
We ensure that every student is career-ready and equipped for professional success and personal fulfilment through close academic guidance, an optimal instructor-to-student ratio, and strong partnerships with industry leaders. https://wcc.ca
About Lark Group:
The Lark Group is a family-owned and operated development, construction, and facility management company that has successfully developed real estate in British Columbia since 1972. Based in Surrey, B.C., the Lark Group has built a trusted reputation in the North American market by leading world-class institutional, residential, and award-winning healthcare and long-term care developments. It has developed the Health and Technology District in Surrey, a series of nine high-tech buildings immediately adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital, as a rapidly expanding ecosystem of innovators and entrepreneurs collaborating with tech companies, scientists, educators and health professionals, working together to transform research, science and technology into global healthcare innovations. www.larkgroup.com
About ICT Group:
The ICT Group (Imagining Communities Together Inc) represents a dedicated group of experienced professionals who share a passion working collaboratively with our partners and communities to build and enhance the neighborhoods and districts where we invest and live. As part of the Garibaldi Group, our team is renowned for its disciplined approach with an emphasis on risk management, transparency, and integrity. As a partner or sponsor in nearly 2.5 billion dollars in projects across North America, the ICT team is proud and appreciative for the opportunity to work with its incredible partners and provide a positive impact on communities.
