Lansdowne Centre: From Racetrack to One of Metro Vancouver’s Most Exciting Redevelopments
A Hidden History in the Heart of Richmond
Did you know that right in the middle of Richmond—where thousands of people shop every day—once stood a bustling horse racing track?
Long before Lansdowne Centre became a familiar retail destination, the land was home to Lansdowne Park Racetrack, one of the Lower Mainland’s main horse racing venues in the 1940s and 50s. It was more than just a track—it was a social hub where people gathered, placed bets, and spent full days enjoying the atmosphere.
By the late 1970s, the racetrack closed, and the site was redeveloped into Lansdowne Centre, which opened in 1977 as one of Richmond’s first major shopping malls—well before Richmond Centre evolved into what it is today.
Lansdowne Today: Central, Connected, and Convenient
Fast forward to today, and Lansdowne remains one of the most strategically located properties in Richmond.
Steps from the Canada Line SkyTrain
Direct access to No. 3 Road
Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and daily conveniences
Ample parking (a rarity in newer developments)
But despite its prime location, one thing stands out:
This land is vastly underutilized for how central it is.
And that’s exactly what’s about to change.
The Future of Lansdowne: A Master-Planned Community
Lansdowne is set to undergo a major transformation—one that could redefine central Richmond over the next couple of decades.
What’s Coming:
Multiple residential towers
Thousands of new homes
New retail and office spaces
Parks and public plazas
A more walkable, community-focused design
The goal?
To turn Lansdowne into a complete, downtown-style neighbourhood—not just a shopping centre.
Why This Matters for Buyers and Homeowners
This type of redevelopment isn’t just exciting—it’s significant from a real estate perspective.
1. Transit-Oriented Growth
Being directly on the SkyTrain line makes Lansdowne a prime candidate for density and long-term investment.
2. Increased Demand
As new housing, amenities, and infrastructure come in, demand for surrounding properties typically rises.
3. Lifestyle Appeal
Walkable communities with integrated living, working, and recreation spaces are exactly what today’s buyers are looking for.
4. Long-Term Value Potential
Historically, large-scale master-planned developments in central locations tend to drive sustained property value growth.
A Neighbourhood in Transition
What makes Lansdowne especially unique right now is timing.
This is one of those rare opportunities where you can watch a neighbourhood evolve in real time—from an aging retail space into what could become one of Richmond’s most desirable urban communities.
Today, it’s a mall.
Tomorrow, it could be one of the most sought-after places to live in the city.
Thinking About Buying in Richmond?
If you’re considering buying, investing, or simply keeping an eye on emerging neighbourhoods, Lansdowne is an area worth watching closely.
Opportunities often come before transformation—not after.
References
City of Richmond. (n.d.). Lansdowne Centre master land use plan. Let’s Talk Richmond. https://www.letstalkrichmond.ca/lansdowne-master-plan
Lansdowne District. (n.d.). Master plan. https://www.lansdownedistrict.com/master-plan
Richmond Sentinel. (n.d.). Lansdowne Centre’s past, present and future. https://www.richmondsentinel.ca/article-detail/28156/lansdowne-centres-past-present-and-future
Storeys. (n.d.). Richmond’s Lansdowne Centre redevelopment by Bosa Properties and Vanprop. https://storeys.com/richmond-lansdowne-centre-mall-redevelopment-bosa-properties-vanprop/
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Lansdowne Centre (Richmond, British Columbia). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lansdowne_Centre
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Brighouse, Richmond. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brighouse,_Richmond
