A new development project could create what may turn out to become the largest urban community in Winnipeg.
Southwood Circle is a project that would be built on the site of the city’s former Southwood Golf and Country Club, with plans to create residential complexes, retail spaces, and facilities that go in tandem with the University of Manitoba.
It’s a project being led by UM Properties GP Inc. — an entity owned by the university. The hope is to create a sustainable community south of the city.
“In many ways, Southwood Circle will be a model community based on what we know makes healthy, vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Greg Rogers, CEO of UM Properties. “That means it’s walkable, it’s diverse, it promotes active living, and it’s sustainable.”
Construction is expected to be completed across three phases, with the first phase beginning next summer. By the end of it, the goal is to build over 11,000 multi-family residential units, while working with 300,000 square feet of retail space, and establishing spaces for researchers and developers — such as the Living Lab Research Consortium.
The planned community would house over 20,000 people while giving way to a future site for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
According to Rogers, the push for the project parallels the city’s traditional path towards growth via suburban development. He said that this way, future residents and families would have access to amenities and services offered at the University of Manitoba as well as everything they need right within their neighbourhood.
He added that the project would involve the development of just over two kilometres of roads connecting residential units and buildings together. The idea is driven by a pedestrian centric approach, limiting the need for personal vehicles.