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Highrise complex would be south London's first along rapid transit line

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A massive five-highrise development planned for south London, along a future rapid transit line, is the largest project the area has seen in decades, the ward councillor says.

Auburn Development and Drewlo Holdings, two veteran London developers, are teaming up for the “ambitious” build that would bring more than 1,200 residential units and three mixed-use buildings for office and commercial use to the corner of Bradley Avenue and Wellington Road.

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The proposed development is across from White Oaks Mall and Fanshawe College’s south campus, on the northwest corner of the intersection, and would sit along the Wellington Gateway bus rapid transit line.

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“This is the first return that we’ve seen on the city’s investment in the bus rapid transit,” said Coun. Elizabeth Peloza, referring to her south-end Ward 12.

“Some people are really excited. Most development in the city seems to go to the north and west ends. We (in south London) haven’t had a new apartment building like this built for a long time.”

Five residential towers, between 18 and 22 storeys, and three mixed-use buildings — all with office and commercial on the ground floor to create an inviting “streetscape” — are included in the proposal, which hasn’t yet gone to council.

Greg Priamo, a planning consultant who’s representing the two developers, said the partnership will allow Auburn and Drewlo to bring their resources together to share the risk and speed up the project.

“It’s obviously an ambitious project,” he said.

Though it’s early days, Priamo estimated construction could start in late 2021, but the more likely timeframe for shovels to hit the ground is early in 2022.

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“There probably never has been a project of this scale in south London, but certainly it’s due,” he said.

Right now, the property — between Wellington and Montgomery roads, north of Bradley — is home to a two-storey office and commercial building as well as a one-storey plaza with several empty storefronts, a few retail and food shops, and a Swiss Chalet.

An LCBO store, which is on a separate lot at the corner of the property, will remain and is not included in the redevelopment.

“It’s the Wellington Gateway. It’d be great to see some revitalization,” Peloza said.

“Allowing more people to have the option to own a car by choice, because you live a doorstep from public transit — you don’t always have to have one.”

The plan includes 1,334 parking spots between an underground garage and a four-level structure above ground.

Peloza said she’s heard some concerns from residents about the size and scale of the development, but notes that it’s part of what’s planned in the transit villages along London’s rapid transit lines.

“For me, knowing the London Plan, that’s the vision for this area,” she said. “Finally someone (is) investing in south London.”

mstacey@postmedia.com

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