Telus moving downtown

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran is thrilled to see another major employer come to the city's downtown.

Plans were unveiled Monday for a new development at the corner of Manhattan Drive and Ellis Street, much of which will house Telus operations.

"It may not have the fanfare of an IHA or an Innovation Centre, but the fact we have another large-scale employer moving to our downtown core, and they've factored in there may be future plans for the site beyond what is being proposed, I think is very good news," said Basran.

The project is a 20,000-square-foot, two-storey technology building.

The building would be located on the northwest corner of the property, backing onto Sunset Park and the trail along Brandt’s Creek.

One structure on the property has already been demolished, and a second will be taken down as well, said city planner Terry Barton.

"There are two existing buildings that will be retained towards the south. They have some rental bays that will be reoriented," said Barton.

The applicants will construct a secure parking area for company vehicles and storage of cables, fibre-optic lines and other equipment. A missing section of sidewalk along Manhattan Drive will also be completed.

"Generally, I think it's great. After taking my bike down that path, I can't wait to see the improvements, particularly on the corner with the sidewalk," said Coun. Luke Stack.

With most windows in the office building facing the trail and park, Stack said it will make that section of park much safer.

"I think it does achieve a very positive interface," said Barton. "The applicant was quite keen on putting it right up against the park for the obvious reason of the benefit to their employees and to make a nice landscape in front of the building."

He noted the applicant has a longer-term vision for the site.

"Having an open parking lot of the corner allows him to contemplate something larger scale in the future."

Telus currently operates out of space on Enterprise Way.