Construction of the Saanich Peninsula’s largest shopping centre is set to get underway as early as February, according to project developer and builder Omicron.

 

The 100,000 square foot Sidney Crossing complex on the west side of Highway 17 along Sidney’s Beacon Avenue will feature an array of commercial tenants that include a national (yet unnamed) grocery store, restaurants, medical offices, a pharmacy, financial institutions and service businesses.

 

Sprawling 7.5-acres at the northeast quadrant of Victoria International Airport lands, the west coast architecture-themed nine-building commercial node includes public plazas, seating areas and covered pedestrian walkways. Surface parking will accommodate approximately 400 vehicles.

 

Plans also call for a pedestrian overpass between the area of Mary Winspear Centre on the east side of Highway 17 and Sidney Crossing, which opens up the potential for linking the heavily used Lochside Trail with Victoria International Airport's newly completed Flight Path airport perimeter trail.

 

The project does not impact the Ministry of Transportation's future plans for a highway interchange at Beacon Avenue, although previously released designs may require alteration.

 

Situated some 26 kilometres north of downtown Victoria, Sidney Crossing will serve a population of approximately 41,000 Saanich Peninsula residents. Construction completion is slated for mid-2019.

 

Sidney Crossing is Omicron’s second retail hub to materialize on the south Island. The company recently completed Eagle Creek Village shopping centre in View Royal with Quality Foods as the anchor tenant and retailers that include Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Cascadia Liquor Store, a YM/YWCA gym and offices in a five-storey complex. The company is currently moving forward on Eagle Creek's residential component. C