Photo: Artist Rendering

Another large housing development has been approved for West Kelowna's downtown core.

It's part of a building boom in the downtown area.

The newly approved development will add 193 units in a complex on Elliott Road, north of Main Street, next to where a failed city hall was proposed.

The development will include four buildings, varying in height from three to six storeys. It will include 57 one-bedroom units, 97 two-bedrooms and 39 with three bedrooms.

"I regard this as an asset, a very positive development," said Coun. Doug Findlater.

"This is what we've been talking about for many years now, densifying downtown Westbank in order to revitalize the area, and it needs it. Let's get people down there, and business will follow and come back."

Findlater says the new units bring to about 1,000 either proposed or under construction downtown.

The developer has agreed to contribute $230,000 in lieu of 23 fewer parking spots and $75,000 in lieu of amenity space.

The $75,000 will go towards a children's playground at the Westbank Centre Park.

With the park on the other edge of downtown, some on council were concerned about the lack of park space in the area of the development.

"I'm a little concerned we are putting up a ton of homes, purpose built rentals...and there isn't much for amenities at all. We have a little park on one corner," said Coun. Jason Friesen.

"I would really like to see more amenity space in this complex. I am concerned about green space and recreation space."

Coun. Carol Zanon also had concerns about the reduced parking and the increased traffic along Elliott Road.

Despite the concerns, council voted unanimously to approve the project.