Final building design plans have been released for the future $55-million Southwest Community Centre, YMCA and library.
Representatives from the City of London, YMCA of Western Ontario and the London Public Library gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking at 501 Southdale Road Tuesday morning.
“This is a great day for London,” said London Mayor Matt Brown in a news release. “Community Centres play a strong role in supporting Council’s commitment to Strengthening our Community through providing a healthy, safe and accessible city for all; as outlined in our 2015-2019 Strategic Plan.
Officials say the collaborative joint venture represents the largest municipal building investment in London’s history.
The two-storey building will include a community centre, double pad arena, indoor pool and gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, community kitchen, Service London counter, YMCA fitness facility and public library branch.
The facility is intended to be a welcoming and friendly environment, where families can swim, skate, read, connect, be active and access services. The facility was designed with input from residents and key stakeholders.
Construction will begin summer 2016 and the facility is scheduled to open September 2018.
This project was made possible by a generous donation of land by Ali Soufan of York Developments.
