Virginia Beach Outlines Major Town Center Projects

City leaders highlight $200 million in new development and infrastructure improvements for the central business district.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and City Manager Patrick Duhaney outlined a series of major projects planned for the city's Town Center area, including a $200 million investment to bring a new hotel, apartment complex, craft beer arcade, and comedy club to the Pembroke Square development. The city is also investing in new public parking garages, pedestrian safety improvements, and transportation infrastructure upgrades to support the continued growth and vitality of the central business district.

Why it matters

The Town Center area has served as a key economic hub and community gathering space for Virginia Beach over the past two decades. These new investments are aimed at keeping the district thriving by attracting more residents, workers, and visitors to the area through expanded amenities and improved mobility and accessibility.

The details

The $200 million Pembroke Square project will add a new seven-story hotel, seven-story apartment complex, craft beer arcade, and comedy club to the central business district. The city is also constructing two new public parking garages to support the growth. Beyond development, Virginia Beach is investing in pedestrian safety improvements like new crosswalks, signal timing, and accessible curb ramps. The city is also advancing the Virginia Beach Trail project, a 2.8-mile segment connecting Birdneck to London Bridge Road, and making $20 million in upgrades to the Independence Boulevard and Edwin Drive intersection to improve traffic flow.

  • The Virginia Beach Trail project is nearing its environmental assessment completion.
  • In 2025, the city received a $23.8 million grant to support construction of phase four of the Virginia Beach Trail project.
  • The $200 million Pembroke Square development is a current project.

The players

Bobby Dyer

The mayor of Virginia Beach who outlined the new Town Center projects.

Patrick Duhaney

The Virginia Beach city manager who spoke alongside Mayor Dyer about the planned developments and infrastructure improvements.

Pembroke Square

A $200 million mixed-use development project in the Virginia Beach Town Center that will add a new hotel, apartment complex, craft beer arcade, and comedy club.

Virginia Beach Trail Project

A 2.8-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail segment connecting Birdneck to London Bridge Road in Virginia Beach.

Independence Boulevard and Edwin Drive

An intersection in Virginia Beach that will receive $20 million in upgrades to improve traffic flow.

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What they’re saying

“The value of what the business community brings... it not only brings revenue to the city, but it brings spirit of community, cooperation, and it's a destination for people to come and enjoy.”

— Bobby Dyer, Mayor

“Public works have been advancing major projects that will improve the mobility, safety, and access in and around the Town Center.”

— Bobby Dyer, Mayor

“This is a 2.8-mile segment connecting Birdneck to London Bridge Road, linking communities of Oceana to Hilltop to Great Neck.”

— Patrick Duhaney, City Manager

“These enhancements will make the district safer and more walkable for residents, workers, and visitors.”

— Bobby Dyer, Mayor

What’s next

The Virginia Beach State of the City address that discusses all issues across the city is scheduled for Friday, March 5.

The takeaway

Virginia Beach is making significant investments to maintain the vitality of its Town Center as a key economic and community hub, with a focus on new development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced pedestrian safety and accessibility.