A tentative deal to sell the Belmont secondary lands in Langford has been reached with the Sooke School District.
While the district wouldn’t reveal the identity of the buyer, Langford council gave initial approvals toward rezoning the land, in response to an application from SD62.
Thrifty Foods media spokesperson Ralf Mundel would not directly confirm his company as the buyer of the property, but did say Thrifty Foods, which is owned by Sobeys, is always looking for opportunities in the West Shore.
“Currently we are doing due diligence on the possibilities associated with the Belmont property … but it’s still subject to numerous conditions,” Mundel said. “In any of the deals we’re working on nothing is complete until there’s ink on the page.”
Board secretary-treasurer Harold Cull said there has been a lot of interest in the land since it was put on the market last fall, as it has a desirable location on Jacklin Road, across from Westshore Town Centre.
Speaking about the zoning application, which passed second and third readings Monday, Coun. Denise Blackwell expects it to be approved without controversy.
“I think people understand that that’s a place in the community where we want commercial and (higher) density,” she said. “We think it’s a good deal for the school board. It helps with the funding that they’re going to get, it’s helping to build a new Belmont, so that’s good news all around.”
The move, which requires provincial approval, would change the site’s zoning from community institutional to Langford City Centre, to allow for commercial and residential development. Any project larger than a specified size would require the developer to give land and money to the city for public amenities.
The SD62 board office will remain in its current location on the edge of the property.
kwells@goldstreamgazette.com