Londoners are getting their first look at final building design plans for a new $55-million community centre, YMCA, and public library in the southwest end.
Ground was broken on the new facility at 501 Southdale Rd., near Wonderland Rd. on Tuesday.
The two storey building is a joint venture between the city, YMCA of Western Ontario, and the London Public Library.
"It's a very green design, a very open design. When we walk through this building, it's my sense that, it will almost feel like we're in a park setting," says Mayor Matt Brown. "When you think about a one stop shop, that's exactly what this is for families. You can go to the library, you can go to the YMCA, you can also go to the community centre. It's going to be a significant hub for the southwest."
The facility 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.
Andrew Lockie, CEO of the YMCA of Western Ontario believes the facility is a great model that will make a huge difference for those who might not have access to other recreation programs.
"We make sure that our programs are accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay for them," says Lockie. "We don't think that financial restrictions on somebody's lifestyle should prevent them from having access to recreation and reducing their isolation. We think everyone deserves those things and we develop programs and have facilities that make access available to all."
Brown bills the facility as the largest municipal building investment in London's history. The land was donated by Ali Soufan of York Developments.
"Our business goes back three decades. We're a London based company and a London based family," says Soufan. "London has been a great place for us to do business and raise our family so we thought it was the opportune time to give back. This was the most meaningful donation that we could provide."
Construction will begin this summer with the Southwest Community Centre, YMCA, and Library scheduled to open September 2018.
Artist's rendering of the new Southwest Community Centre, YMCA, and Library. Photo courtesy of the City of London.