LONDON — Westdell Development Corporation has submitted an application for a Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) to permit the development of two new high-rise mixed-use towers at 1725-1731 Richmond Street, part of the broader Hyland Centre redevelopment.
The proposal marks the second and third phases of a long-term plan to transform the area into a high-density, mixed-use community.
The first phase of the development was approved two years ago for the construction of a 22-storey mixed-use tower.
The current proposal will consist of two additional towers, raising the unit count to 563 units across all three towers.
A proposed 22-storey building, referred to as Tower 2, will feature 159 residential units above ground-floor commercial and office space, and a proposed 20-storey building, referred to as Tower 3, will house 178 residential units above ground-floor commercial and office space.
Together, the two new towers will bring 337 new residential units to the area.
The subject lands cover approximately 4.6 hectares (11.37 acres) and are strategically located at the intersection of Richmond Street and Fanshawe Park Road West.
The sites feature substantial frontages, with 277 metres on Richmond Street, 169 metres on Fanshawe Park Road West, and 400 metres on North Centre Road.
The development is ideally situated at a key transit node, ensuring excellent public transportation access.
The location offers proximity to London Transit Commission bus routes #19, #34, #13, #16, #25, and #90.
Furthermore, the site is located at an intersection designated for a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), enhancing connectivity and supporting the City’s vision for a transit-oriented development.
Parking and amenities have been thoughtfully integrated into the development plan, although exact parking spaces are not specified in the proposal.
All towers will have parking facilities, including underground parking with two levels and above-ground parking within the podium, which will have three levels.
The design of the development aims to reduce the visual impact of parking structures.
For amenities, Tower 2 will provide indoor spaces on the 5th floor and outdoor spaces on the 5th, 21st, and 22nd floors.
Tower 3 will offer indoor amenities on the 5th and 6th floors, as well as outdoor spaces on the 5th, 7th, and 19th floors.
To accommodate the new towers, Westdell has requested several changes to the current zoning regulations.
The proposal includes rezoning the land from “Associated Shopping Area (ASA1(5)), (ASA2(3)), (ASA3(1)), (ASA3(15))” to a site-specific “Business District Commercial (BDC1(_))” zone.
Special provisions are also requested to permit a maximum building height of 22 storeys (80.0 metres) for Tower 2 and 20 storeys (69.0 metres) for Tower 3, which significantly exceeds the current limit of 12.0 metres.
Additionally, a maximum density of 310 units per hectare (UPH) is proposed, whereas no current density limit is currently set for the site. The density limit will be established through the zoning amendment.
The proposed development aims to enhance the Masonville area by contributing to a pedestrian-friendly environment with active street frontages.
The design integrates with existing and proposed buildings to create a cohesive urban space, offering elevated amenity areas and thoughtful parking solutions to minimize visual impact.
The project aligns with the City’s vision as outlined in the London Plan and the Masonville Secondary Plan, promoting a high-rise, mixed-use community centred around public transit.
However, adjustments in building height and density regulations are required to proceed. Westdell Development Corporation’s proposal for 1725-1731 Richmond Street promises to significantly transform the Masonville area, supporting the City’s goal of creating a vibrant, mixed-use community.
Pending approval of the Zoning By-law Amendment, the project will provide substantial residential and commercial spaces, enhancing both the local economy and the quality of urban life.
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