Richmond Centre has been at the heart of the Richmond community for many years.
Prior to the land being developed as a shopping centre, the Brighouse Park Racetrack was located here. Horses raced until the late 1940's when the popularity shifted to another race track.
By 1965, the land was developed by Richmond Square Ltd. and Richmond Square was opened. In 1973, the Hudson Bay Development Corporation Limited (HBDCL) opened Richmond Centre right across the way from Richmond Square. A parking lot and Saba Road separated the two malls.
Renovation of Richmond Square took place in 1988, and in 1990 there was a significant redevelopment which involved the removal of Saba Road in order to merge Richmond Square and Richmond Centre to form one shopping destination. At this time Sears was relocated, Super Valu departed and Famous Players was added.
In 1997, The Bay took on a large undertaking of their own by expanding and completing a total store renovation. Further, the north side of the shopping centre expanded and by 1998 Sears had also completed a major renovation.
Today, Richmond Centre is owned and managed by both Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd. and Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc. With over 240 stores and services, Richmond Centre is one of the Lower Mainland's best shopping experiences.
Horse racing at Brighouse Park
ca 1924
(City of Richmond Archives, #1978 11 4)
Brighouse Race Track - looking north west from Granville Avenue and No. 3 Road
ca 1951
(City of Richmond Archives, # 1984 17 5)
Richmond Square - looking south west from No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway (image also appears above)
ca 1965
(City of Richmond Archives, #1984 17 30)
Richmond Square - looking south on No. 3 Road
ca 1967
(City of Richmond Archives, #1984 17 102)
Inside Richmond Square - looking north toward Simpson-Sears store
ca 1967
(City of Richmond Archives, #1984 17 111)
Orange Julius refreshment stand in Richmond Square
ca 1974
(City of Richmond Archives, #1983 7 36)