Harris Green Village by Starlight Investments in Victoria has received approval and phase one will break ground this year.

The development includes more than 1,500 new purpose-built rental homes with a mix of apartments and townhomes, nearly half an acre of green space for a community park, a daycare and brand-new retail, including a new Market on Yates, shops, services and restaurants.

Planning and public consultations for this community has been ongoing for more than three years.

“Harris Green Village represents a unique opportunity to create a vibrant, urban, mixed-use community that is both diverse and inclusive,” said Shauna Dudding, executive director, developments, Starlight Investments. ​“Purpose-built rentals are a critical aspect of the revitalization of this neighbourhood and we are honoured to be an integral part of the process.”

The development project will play an essential role in reinvigorating the neighbourhood. In the first phase, development of the block from Cook Street to Vancouver Street will include 526 new homes, 80 of which will be affordable suites, and a new Market on Yates grocery store.

“We made it a point of emphasis throughout the consultation process to engage with community members, stakeholders and potential residents, and we heard loud and clear the need for additional rental housing is in downtown Victoria,” said Josh Kaufman, vice president, development & construction, Starlight Investments. ​“We believe that Harris Green is the ideal location to begin this journey with the Victoria community and are excited to play our part in bringing this community to fruition.”

The second and third phases on the block from Vancouver through Quadra streets will include more than 1,000 rental housing suites, more than 70,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, a nearly half-acre park, with accessible play area, running between Yates and View streets. The park will be at the doorstep of a 10,000 square feet community space to be programmed by the City of Victoria.