Edmonton City Centre Mall to see big redevelopment under new owner

Edmonton City Centre Mall is set for a major redevelopment under the ownership of Westrich Pacific, a downtown Edmonton-based real estate developer. The property, which occupies about 10 acres of land stretching from 100 Street to 103 Street, has been struggling to draw visitors for years. Edmonton City Centre encompasses nearly 1.4 million square feet of space, including office components like TD Tower, Oxford Tower, and Centre Point Place, as well as the mall itself.

Westrich Pacific secured approval from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench on August 7 to purchase Edmonton City Centre from Otera Capital Inc. The company sees this as a significant milestone towards its plans for the property's transformation. Co-CEO David Sanche expressed excitement about the project, stating that Edmonton City Centre has immense potential and can play a crucial role in the continued revitalization of downtown.

The developer plans to undertake a multi-phase redevelopment of the mall, including the introduction of new residential, retail, entertainment, and wellness uses. The first phase will focus on constructing about 1,500 residential units on the west side of the mall, where the Hudson’s Bay department store once stood. Additionally, the new owner aims to redesign the exterior, introduce new street-fronting retail, and install a rooftop Nordic spa.

Future phases may encompass a broader transformation, featuring LED displays, more retail options, and a focus on entertainment, wellness, and experiential destinations.

At present, the mall houses a Landmark Cinemas theater, a Delta hotel, a food court, the offices of CBC Edmonton, and various retail and professional spaces. Westrich Pacific anticipates commencing major construction on the first phase in early 2027, contingent upon necessary approvals. Subsequent phases will proceed as market conditions permit. The sale of the property to Westrich Pacific is expected to close before the end of 2026, although the specific cost of the transaction has not been disclosed.