02 The story
From suburban mall to tower district
For decades Brentwood meant a mid-sized shopping mall at the corner of Lougheed Highway and Willingdon Avenue, surrounded by single-family homes. That changed quickly after the Millennium Line opened in 2002. Today the area is one of Burnaby’s four official town centres, and its skyline of residential towers is visible from much of the city.
The old mall site has been rebuilt as The Amazing Brentwood, a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, a grocery store and outdoor plazas set among condo towers. More towers continue to rise along Lougheed Highway and around Gilmore station, so expect some construction for years to come.
Living in Brentwood
Brentwood suits people who want a modern apartment, quick SkyTrain access and everyday errands within walking distance. Brentwood Town Centre station was recently upgraded with a rebuilt south entrance, new elevator and escalators, which makes the commute smoother. Downtown Vancouver, VCC-Clark and Lougheed are all a direct ride or one transfer away.
The neighbourhood still has quieter pockets. South of Lougheed Highway, older residential streets offer a quieter feel, and the Willingdon Heights area to the north has local parks and schools. The Heights shopping district on Hastings Street is a short bus ride up Willingdon Avenue, and Burnaby Lake and Central Park are reachable within a few minutes by car or bus.
Tip: Brentwood’s restaurant scene is young and changing fast. Walk the plazas and the blocks around the station to see what has opened recently, especially on summer evenings when the outdoor spaces are busy.
